Kaizer Chiefs scored a dramatic and controversial stoppage-time goal – and then another – as they beat Stellenbosch 3-1 in their Nedbank Cup quarterfinal clash at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Both teams were eager to join Orlando Pirates in the last four and the game in Gqeberha kicked off at a swift pace as both teams looked to make an early impact. Chiefs thought they might be awarded a penalty in the ninth minute, but the referee ruled that there was no foul on Ashley Du Preez.
But a penalty was awarded to Chiefs in the 18th minute, when Olivier Toure was adjudged to have handled the ball. Chiefs’ captain on the day, Inacio Miguel, stepped up to take the spot kick and sent Sage Stephens the wrong way to make it 1-0 after twenty minutes.
Chumani Butsaka had a good chance for Stellies in the 27th minute but was just unable to steer his effort on target, and it flew just wide.
Steve Barker’s team were applying the pressure, looking for that equalising goal, but while they were making entries into the box and winning a number of set pieces in dangerous areas, they failed to trouble Bruce Bvuma.
At the other end, Du Preez had an opportunity in the 45th minute, but his shot flew straight at Stephens while a free kick effort from Glody Lilepo hit the wall.
Just before the whistle, Ashley Cupido went just wide, thanks to a touch from Bvuma, and at the break, the score remained 1-0 in favour of Nasreddine Nabi’s team.
With five yellow cards dished out in the first 45 minutes and a narrow scoreline, it was a tense start to the second half. There were half-chances at both ends, but neither side were able to test the goalkeepers in the opening ten minutes.
Khomotjo Lekoloane was unable to steer his 56th-minute header on target, while Gaston Sirino’s shot two minutes later at the other end took a deflection and went wide. Thabo Cele’s free-kick attempt on the hour mark flew over.
Bvuma was called into action with 25 minutes to go, as he got down well to save Sihle Nduli’s header.
Stellies were awarded a dangerous free kick in the 68th minute, just outside Chiefs’ box, but Lesiba Nku went narrowly wide with his curling effort.
Meanwhile, ten minutes later, reserve goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, sitting on the Kaizer Chiefs’ bench, was shown a red card for something he said.
Just when it looked like Chiefs would hold out for the win, Stellies found the equaliser. Two substitutes comibined, as Andre De Jong got a touch to Sanele Barns’ corner kick, and it deflected off Miguel and into the goal.
Chiefs thought they had a winner in stoppage time, with the ball in the back of the net, and after consultation with the linesman, who initially ruled the goal out, the referee awarded Pule Mmodi’s goal and Chiefs were in the lead.
A dramatic and controversial goal, and it would be 3-1 after Mfundo Vilakazi took advantage of Stephens being up for a corner, robbed Ibrahim Jabaar, and ran the ball into net. Nabi’s team booked their place in the semi-final.
