Stellenbosch FC booked their spot in the MTN8 semi-finals after defeating AmaZulu 3-2 on Saturday afternoon.
MTN8
Result: Stellenbosch FC 3-2 AmaZulu
Date: 03 August 2025
Venue: DHL Stadium
AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane gave a debut to new signings Ryan Moon and Keegan Allen, while Stellenbosch went with the tried and tested, although there was a welcome return for Lehlogonolo Mojela to the matchday squad.
Usuthu got he breakthrough in the 18th minute as well-worked passing move around the box ended with Sandile Mthethwa picking out Allen, who controlled well before firing past Sage Stephens on his debut.
Stellies weren't behind for too long after getting back on level terms in the 25th minute when Andre de Jong did well to play in Devin Titus, who unselfishly picked out Sanele Barns for the close-range finish.
The visitors were dealt a blow from the equaliser as goalkeeper Richard Ofori had to be stretchered off after taking a blow to the face from Barns. He was replaced by second choice goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela.
Steve Barker's charges took control thereafter and looked a real threat whenever De Jong got on the ball, but they were unable to find a second goal before the halftime break.
The hosts came out firing in the second half in search of the second goal, with Titus squandering a good chance seven minutes in by firing a first-time strike over the crossbar from just inside the box.
Stellenbosch got their reward in the 68th minute when Barns completed his brace with a lovely free-kick that sailed into the far corner from around 20 yards out.
The lead only last a few minutes as Tebogo Mashigo brought Usuthu level on 71 minutes by collecting a pass from Hendrick Ekstein before unleashing a strike that took a deflection and looped over Stephens.
Both sides pushed for the go-ahead goal in the latter stages of the second half, which included a flurry of substitutions but neither were able to get the reward, which sent the clash to extra-time.
Stellenbosch went on to bag the winning goal in the 117th minute when substitute Langelihle Phili managed to carve out space on the edge of the box before firing home a low strike at the near post.
Here's how they line up:
Stellenbosch FC: Stephens, Enyinnaya, Mdaka, Moloisane, Mcaba, Khiba, Barns, Palace, Cupido, Titus, De Jong.
Subs: Langeveldt, Sishi, Nkwali, Andrieas, Butsaka, Phili, Nku, Lekoloane, Mojela.
AmaZulu: Ofori, Radebe, Hanamub, Fielies, Mthethwa, Allan, Hlangabeza, Zungu, Moon, Mashigo, Ekstein
Subs: Mzimela, Mzobe, Dube, Ngcobo, Motshwari, Mbanjwa, Sithole, Thabede, Mhlongo.
