Amakhosi stunned by Stellies in Nedbank Cup thriller

The Nedbank Cup kicked off on Tuesday evening as holders, Kaizer Chiefs, visited a stubborn Stellenbosch FC side looking for an upturn in momentum. The match was delayed by 30-minutes to ensure fans made it on time for kick off with a sellout crowd expected in Cape Town.

The Glamour Boys started brightest, producing the first chance of the game but Flávio da Silva’s header went wide inside the opening six minutes. Moments later, the home side were awarded a penalty after da Silva brought Thabo Moloisane down in the box. Ibraheem Jabaar stepped up and converted from the spot to give Stellies the lead on the ten-minute mark.

Gavin Hunt’s side had the chance to double their lead two minutes later but fluffed their lines. The hosts extended their lead shortly after 20 minutes courtesy of a Devin Titus thunderbolt that sailed past Brandon Peterson into the top left corner.

Chiefs stepped on the accelerator as they looked to get themselves back in the game before the break.

Mdu Tshabalala was one the end of three big chances, but his efforts were thwarted by a pair of brilliant saves by Sage Stevens while his third opportunity was blocked by a maroon wall of defenders.

The Amakhosi fired out of the starting blocks in the second period as they looked to wrestle their way back into the game. A frantic run of play unfolded eight minutes after the restart as Glody Lilepo’s shot rattled the crossbar. The resulting attack from the rebound saw Chiefs being awarded a penalty after a Mosa Lebusa handball inside the box.

Flávio da Silva stepped up and converted his spot-kick just before the hour mark to set up thrilling final half an hour. The Maroons were more pragmatic in their approach and threatened to catch Chiefs on the break, knowing that the visitors needed to be on the attack.

Despite a nervy, end-to-end finish where both sides had their fair share of chances, but it was Stellenbosch who managed to hang on a for a 2-1 victory over last season’s winners.

In the end, the Stellies outfit put in a solid shift to grind out the win after taking their chances while it was a game of what-ifs and missed chances for the Glamour Boys.

Stellenbosch FC 2 (2) Jabaar 10’ PEN, Titus 22’

Kaizer Chiefs 1 (0) da Silva 56’ PEN