Stellenbosch FC secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over AmaZulu FC at the Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday evening in a high-stakes 2026 Carling Knockout Cup quarterfinal.

The triumph propels Stellies into the semifinals, where they will host Orlando Pirates; dates and venues are still to be confirmed by the PSL. Coach Gavin Hunt’s side will next host TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership on 27 November, following the FIFA break.

For AmaZulu, the defeat extinguished both a six-match winning streak and the lingering dream of ending a 34-year trophy drought. Coach Arthur Zwane’s side will be eager to restore momentum when they face Milford FC in a KwaZulu-Natal derby on 28 November.

The encounter burst into life from the opening whistle, and the hosts broke the deadlock. In the 28th minute, Raoul Daniels assisted Chumani Butsaka, who calmly steered home his maiden goal of the campaign to hand Stellenbosch a deserved 1-0 lead.

Yet the advantage proved fleeting. Just five minutes later, AmaZulu restored parity in fortunate circumstances when Kaizer Chiefs product Gopolang Taunyana diverted the ball into his own net and the two teams then retreated to the halftime interval level at 1-1 in the Winelands.

Both sides emerged from the restart with renewed intent, each probing for the decisive goal. Deep into stoppage time, Sinoxolo Kwayiba saw his effort handled inside the area; the referee showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot, sparking jubilation among the home supporters.

The former Orlando Pirates forward stepped forward with composure and dispatched the penalty with good precision, restoring Stellenbosch’s advantage at 2-1. The hosts then held firm to claim a dramatic victory, Kwayiba sealing his third goal of the tournament in the process.

Stellenbosch (1) 2 (Butsaka 28, Kwayiba 90'+8)

AmaZulu (1) (Taunyana 33')

STELLENBOSCH: Garrow, Taunyana (Nkwali 57'), Msimango, Vena, Mashego, Butsaka, Blom, Matlou, Daniels (Matsheke 66'), Plaatjies (Du Preez 83'), Kwayiba.

AMAZULU: Mzimela, Mthethwa (Allan 46'), Fielies, Hanamub, Mdaka, Radebe, Maduna (Zikhali 87'), Hlangabeza, Mbanjwa (Ekstein 75'), Maqokola, Ngwenya (Matlhoko 87').