Casric Stars Shock AmaZulu In Extra Time to Reach Nedbank Cup Semi-Finals

Casric Stars continued their giant-killing run in the Nedbank Cup after defeating AmaZulu 2-1 in extra time at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday to reach the semi-finals.

The decisive moment came five minutes before the end of extra time when Decide Chauke fired home the winner, his effort bouncing off the post before rolling into the unguarded net.

It was another major scalp for Stars, who had already eliminated Orlando Pirates on penalties in the Round of 16.

AmaZulu entered the clash after knocking out provincial rivals Richards Bay in the previous round, but the defeat means Usuthu have now lost four matches in a row.

The home side were without Thando Ngwenya, who was sent off against Magesi FC earlier in the week in KwaMashu.

Tshepo Mashigo led the attack in his absence and had an early opportunity but failed to control the ball in stride with the goal at his mercy.

Casric Stars capitalised soon after. With AmaZulu pushing forward, the visitors struck on the counter-attack when Lelethu Skelem sprinted clear and set up Mfundo Thikazi, who calmly lifted the ball over Darren Johnson to give Stars the lead in the 13th minute.

AmaZulu continued to threaten but were wasteful in front of goal despite several scrambles inside the box.

Johnson, who appeared to suffer a knock during the goal, was later substituted and replaced by Richards Ofori.

Just before half-time, Casric nearly doubled their advantage when Thabang Rakwena failed to make proper contact inside the box and fired wide, missing a golden opportunity.

AmaZulu responded strongly after the break. In the 49th minute, Athini Maqokolo surged forward from his own half and found Hendrick Ekstein, who calmly side-footed past Tshigwana Mthombeni to level the score.

Usuthu nearly took the lead in the 63rd minute when Mashigo turned inside the box but shot wide despite having the goal at his mercy — a miss that left coach Arthur Zwane visibly frustrated on the touchline.

AmaZulu piled on the pressure in the second half as they searched for a winner, but their efforts could not break the stubborn resistance of Casric Stars.

In stoppage time, AmaZulu appealed for a penalty after Ekstein went down in the box, but referee Luxolo Badi ruled it a dive, sending the match into extra time.

There was further drama when Ofori rushed off his line and handled a header from Chauke outside the box. The Ghanaian goalkeeper was fortunate to receive only a caution.

Casric Stars grew stronger as extra time progressed, forcing AmaZulu onto the back foot.

Their persistence paid off in the 115th minute when Chauke turned and fired across goal. His shot struck the post before finding the net to seal a historic victory for the visitors.

The result sent Casric Stars into the Nedbank Cup semi-finals and left club chairman and coach Bucks Mthombeni in tears after the final whistle — a moment that truly embodied the magic of the competition, often referred to as the “Cup of Dreams.”

Pic courtesy of Darren Stewart