Stellenbosch FC advanced to the quarterfinals of the Carling Black Label Knockout Cup after working hard to beat AmaZulu at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday evening.
The first half was heavily dominated by the visitors, as they had a few chances on goal through Devin Titus and Ashley Cupido which had to be saved by Richard Ofori, who was making his AmaZulu debut.
Stellies’ persistence eventually paid off in the 24th minute when Titus opened the scoring. After receiving a cross from Andre De Jong, the attacking midfielder finished beautifully by confidently putting his shot into the top corner of the net.
Rowan Human came back into the Usuthu fold in this match, and showed sparks of creativity to lift the team but their efforts to find the equaliser were futile as they went into the break a goal behind.
The second stanza saw AmaZulu look a little more alert and their patience paid off in the 53rd minute when Tshepang Moremi got past the last defender and finished from close range. Now with matters level, the final 30 minutes of the match saw both teams fight to grab the win.
Stellenbosch did not lose their hunger in the attack and continued to give AmaZulu problems, but Ofori was in red hot form and continued to keep them out of his goal. The sides began to make tactical changes to strengthen their chances of grabbing the lead.
In stoppage time, Ofori made another sensational save to deny Stellenbosch the lead once again when Titus drove a powerful low shot that looked surely to be a goal. After 90 minutes and stoppage time, matters were still level and extra-time was looming for both sides.
In extra-time, de Jong scored the second goal for Stellenbosch and the team held on to walk away with a win in Durban. The result sees the team move on to the next round of the Carling Black Label Knockout Cup.
AmaZulu (0) 1 (Moremi 53’)
Stellenbosch (1) 2 (Titus 24’, de Jong 97’)
AMAZULU: R. Ofori, A. Mobara, T. Sikhakhane, T. Fielies, R. Hanamub, M. Gumede, E. Brooks (S. Ndlovu 99’), T. Moremi (M. Kunene 79’), R. Human (W. Jooste 46’), M. Mbanjwa (E. Ighodaro 46’), J. Dion (H. Ekstein 63’)
STELLENBOSCH: S. Stephens, O. Mdaka (F. Basadien 69’), A. Mcaba (I. Jabaar 84’), I. Toure, K. Jurgens (K. Lekoloane 84’) S. Barns, S. Ndili, C. Butsaka (G. Palace 90+1’), D. Titus, A. Cupido (J. Adams 69’), A. de Jong
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