Stellies topple Chiefs on penalties in Carling Knockout Cup

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Penalties were needed to separate Stellenbosch and Kaizer Chiefs at the DHL Stadium in the Carling Knockout Cup on Sunday evening, as the Cape Winelands side triumphed with a 5-4 score from the spot (0-0 after extra time).

While Andre De Jong missed Stellenbosch’s initial penalty, two missed attempts by Tashreeq Morris and Dillan Solomons saw Chiefs bow out of the competition in Cape Town.

Following a lengthy delay at the DHL Stadium, the game commenced at a frantic pace with the possession count shared equally during the first 10 minutes.

Amakhosi created the first notable scoring chance of the match in the 14th minute following a quick break into the Stellies half. With Khanyisa Mayo picking up the ball toward the edge of the box, the Chiefs attacker let off a venomous left footed strike that hit the upright.

Stellenbosch looked dangerous on the break and often took the game to Chiefs, particularly at the midway point of the first-half. However, the Soweto giants sat tight and warded off the Stellies pressure at the time.

While Stellenbosch saw most of the ball for the majority of the first 45, it was Chiefs who created more scoring opportunities en-route to goal. Nevertheless, the referee called time on the first-half with the score remaining at 0-0.

Chiefs were afforded one of the first attempts after the restart after Mayo had an initial attempt saved, while Pule Mmodi’s close range header was blocked soon thereafter.

The game continued to be a tense affair at the hour-mark while the visitors applied pressure high up the pitch. Stellenbosch had positive moments going forward but were often stifled at the last moment.

Chiefs put the home team under immense pressure leading up to the 80th minute mark but had nothing to show for their attacking impetus.

The game eventually headed into extra-time following a 0-0 score in regulation time. With another gruelling 30 minutes of football set to be played at the Cape Town Stadium, both sides battled to convert their scoring chances. Also, Stellenbosch were reduced to 10 men late on in the game, after Thapelo Mokobodi received his marching orders.

Nevertheless, the game was forced into a penalty shootout as the Cape Winelands side claimed a 5-4 win from the spot in the Mother City.

Stellenbosch FC: 0

Kaizer Chiefs: 0

After extra time; Stellenbosch won 5-4 on penalties.

Stellenbosch FC: Oscarine (Stephens 61’), Manafov (Mdaka 90’), Moloisane, Mcaba, Mokobodi, Khiba (De Jong 72’), Mthiyane, Lekoloane (Cupido 46’), Palace, Titus (Mojela 105’), Khanyi (Barns 61’)

Kaizer Chiefs: Ntwari, Cross, Miguel, Macheke, Solomons, Mthethwa (McCarthy 121’), Ngcobo (Cele 46’) Mmodi, Shabalala (Sirino 88’), Lilepo (Morris 119’), Mayo (Du Preez 79’)