Defending Carling Knockout Cup champions Stellenbosch FC secured their place in the quarter-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over AmaZulu FC at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday night.
The win makes Stellenbosch the first team to advance to the next round of the competition in the 2024/25 season.
But Usuthu made the visitors work hard for the victory as the match went to extra-time after a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes.
Stellenbosch became the first team to clinch the Carling Cup title last season after defeating TS Galaxy 5-4 on penalties following a 1-all draw after extra time.
Below are the talking points as Stellenbosch eliminated Usuthu from the Carling Knockout Cup.
DEBUT FOR RICHARD OFORI AND KHOMOTJO LEKOLOANE
New signing goalkeeper Richard Ofori was handed his AmaZulu debut. Ofori recently joined the KZN side as a free agent. He was one of the players released by Soweto giants Orlando Pirates when his contract expired at the end of last season.
On the other side, Khomotjo Lekoloane also made his Stellenbosch debut. The 28-year-old joined the club ahead of the current season from Baroka FC.
LEHLOHONOLO MOJELA MISSING FROM ACTION
A notable absentee in the Stellenbosch matchday squad was attacker Lehlohonolo Mojela. The reasons for his absence are unknown. Mojela has been a key player for the team since joining from TS Galaxy. So far, the attacker has scored six goals in nine matches in all competitions.
GOALSCORERS ON THE DAY
Cape Windlands star Devin Titus broke the deadlock in the 24th minute to hand his side the lead after being set-up by Andre de Jong.
In the second half, AmaZulu came back a changed side. The hosts levelled matters in the 52nd minute as Tshepang Moremi found the back of the net.
In the extra time, Andre De Jong restored the lead for Stellenbosch, netting in the 96th minute to complete his brace.
AMAZULU FC STILL WITHOUT A VICTORY IN THE 2024/25 CAMPAIGN
The defeat was Usuthu’s fourth in a row in this campaign, as they were still searching for their first victory. In addition, the club is struggling to keep clean sheets after conceding eight goals so far into the new campaign.
CO-COACHES ARTHUR ZWANE AND VUSIMUZI VIKAKAZI START AMAZULU TENURE
Newly appointed co-coaches Arthur Zwane and Vusimuzi Vilakazi started their AmaZulu tenure on a bad note as a result of the 2-1 loss. The duo replaced Pablo Franco, who was shown the exit door most recently following AmaZulu’s poor run of form.
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