Stellenbosch booked their place in the MTN8 semi-finals after beating AmaZulu 3-2 after extra-time at the DHL Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
After an opening fifteen minutes where the two teams sized each other up, it was the visitors who grabbed the lead, as Keagan Allan was on hand to tap in Sandile Mthethwa’s pass for a debut goal in the 18th minute.
But the lead was short-lived, a counter-attack from Stellenbosch, saw Sanele Barns make it 1-1 in the 25th minute, finishing off from close range after being set up by Devin Titus.
Usuthu were dealt a blow with Richard Ofori having to go off with an injury, and he was replaced by Olwethu Mzimela on the half-hour mark.
Just before halftime, Titus fired just over, while Andre de Jong forced a save from Mzimela, but at the break it remained 1-1.
The second half started with missed chances from Barns and Titus, as the home team looked to swing the momentum.
And it was that man, Barns, who would break the deadlock, as he scored his second goal in the 68th minute, this time directly from a free kick.
But again, the lead was short-lived, as Tebogo Mashigo levelled matters four minutes later, chipping over Sage Stephens after a swift counter-attack.
There were late chances in regulation time for Taariq Fielies, Ben Motshwari and Hendrik Ekstein for the visitors, but they were unable to convert, and so extra time was needed.
After a goalless first half of extra time, Amajita star Langelihle Phili, who had come off the bench, put Stellies back in front, scoring from range against his former club.
It would prove to be the winner, as last year’s finalists marched into the semi-finals.
