Stellenbosch Eliminate Chiefs On Penalties In Carling Knockout

Kaizer Chiefs were eliminated 5-4 on penalties by Stellenbosch FC in the Carling Knockout Round of 16 at a packed DHL Stadium on Sunday.

The match ended goalless after 120 minutes of intense football, forcing the tie into a penalty shootout. Sage Stephens emerged as the hero for Stellenbosch, saving a sudden-death penalty from Dillan Solomons to seal the victory.

It was a bitter disappointment for the Amakhosi players, who left the field dejected after another early cup exit. Chiefs became the second major side to be eliminated on penalties this weekend, following Mamelodi Sundowns’ defeat to Marumo Gallants on Saturday.

After the match, midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa expressed his disappointment in a post-match interview on SuperSport TV. “We are in pain, and we’re very sorry to the fans. We’ll try again in the Nedbank Cup next year,” he said.

The fixture kicked off 30 minutes late due to large crowds still trying to gain entry after all 45,000 tickets were sold — a testament to the high anticipation surrounding the clash.

Both clubs are representing South Africa in this season’s CAF Confederation Cup, and the quality of play reflected their continental pedigree.

Kaizer Chiefs forward Khanyisa Mayo, eager to redeem himself after a midweek offside blunder against AmaZulu, rattled the crossbar in the 15th minute with a powerful effort. Moments later, Dillan Solomons came close with a long-range strike that hit the side-netting against his former club.

Both teams attacked with intent throughout the first half, but the opening goal remained elusive. The tempo stayed high after the break, with chances at both ends. Mayo threatened again, but goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke charged off his line to block him.

In the stands, Mayo’s father — former PSL champion Patrick Mayo — watched proudly as his son came close on several occasions.

Chiefs’ Mduduzi Shabalala also produced a moment of skill, turning his marker inside out before delivering a teasing cross that narrowly evaded Mayo.

With neither side able to break the deadlock, the game proceeded to extra time. Despite continued attacking play, the goal remained “at a premium.”

Late in extra time, Stellenbosch’s Thapelo Mokobodi received a red card for pulling down Pule Mmodi, who was through on goal. Chiefs pushed hard for a winner, and Gaston Sirino came close with a fierce drive, but Stephens made a crucial save with his outstretched leg.

The match was ultimately decided from the penalty spot, where Stellenbosch held their nerve to win 5-4 and advance to the quarterfinals.

Penalty Shootout Sequence

Stellenbosch:

• Andre de Jong – saved
• Thabo Moloisane – scored
• Mthetheleli Mthiyane – scored
• Sage Stephens – scored
• Athenkosi Mcaba – scored
• Sanele Barns – scored

Kaizer Chiefs:

• Gaston Sirino – scored
• Thabo Cele – scored
• Aden McCarthy – scored
• Bradley Cross – scored
• Tashreeq Morris – saved
• Dillan Solomons – saved