Kaizer Chiefs Still In Contention To Defend Their Title As Safa Academy End Sundowns’ Run At The Engen Knockout Challenge

Day 2 of the 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge Gauteng leg at Marks Park delivered a thrilling quarterfinal round, with Kaizer Chiefs continuing their title defence, while SAFA Academy ended Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies’ run in the girls’ division.

Kaizer Chiefs advanced to the semi-finals after a narrow 1–0 win over Randburg FC. Having topped their group, the defending champions carried that momentum into the knockout stages with another structured and confident performance.

In the girls’ division, SAFA Academy edged Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies in a high-stakes quarterfinal that ended 1–1 in regular time. The match was a tightly contested battle, and with the score level at the final whistle, the outcome was decided by penalties where SAFA Academy held their nerve to secure a dramatic win and book their place in the semi-finals.

While Sundowns bow out of the competition, their consistency and pedigree across multiple editions have set a high standard in this tournament. Their exit also signals a shift, as a new generation of clubs like SAFA Academy begin to emerge and make their mark.

With the semi-final lineup confirmed, anticipation is building for what promises to be an exciting final day in Gauteng. The remaining teams are not only playing for the title they’re competing for the chance to represent the province at the Engen Champ of Champs in October.

Semi Final Fixtures:

BOYS:

GIRLS:

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