Carling Knockout: Stellies advance as Kaizer Chiefs fold under penalty pressure

Kaizer Chiefs lost their composure at the worst time as AmaKhosi unceremoniously exited the Carling Knockout Cup at the hands of Stellenbosch, who won 5-4 in a penalty shootout out following a scoreless draw on Sunday.

With the exception of Orlando Pirates, the weekend dedicated to the first round of the cup competition was a massacre for the top clubs in the Betway Premiership. Chiefs’ defeat came after Mamelodi Sundowns also fell victim to a penalty shootout on Saturday evening while Sekhukhune United were eliminated by Golden Arrows.

For Sunday’s headline matchup, it was a hard-fought and even battle between Chiefs and a Stellenbosch side that has performed far better in cup competitions than the league this season. After a scoreless first half, Stellies goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke came up with a couple of big saves to keep Chiefs from taking advantage of a hot start to the second half.

With extra time needed after ninety minutes, Chiefs were presented with an opportunity when Stellenbosch midfielder Thapelo Mokobodi was sent off midway through but the visitors failed to take advantage. Masuluke was substituted in favor of Stellies’ other goalkeeper Sage Stephens for the shootout, and the change proved to be a stroke of genius from coach Steve Barker.

In the shootout, Chiefs keeper Fiacre Ntwari saved Stellies’ first attempt from Andre de Jong and Chiefs proceeded to convert their first four spot kicks. Stellies converted their penalties to keep the pressure on and Chiefs finally folded on a potential match-winning spot kick when Stephens saved from Tashreeq Morris.

Sanele Barns converted Stellies’ sixth attempt and then Stephens made it back-to-back saves by denying Dillon Solomons to complete a Chiefs meltdown and elimination.

EDIT: In the other results from Sunday, Richards Bay defeated Chippa United 4-1 in the other early match of the day. Defending champions Magesi FC overcame AmaZulu for a thrilling 3-2 victory to complete the first round. Magesi squandered a two-goal lead but rescued victory in dramatic fashion when Kgomotso Mosade’s free kick took a deflection on its way past stranded AmaZulu keeper Darren Johnson.

Kaizer Chiefs and Stellies move onto continental competition

Both teams will next begin their respective battle for places in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage with Stellenbosch set to face Equatoguinean club 15 de Agosto while Chiefs face off with Congolese club AS Simba.

Carling Knockout Cup: First Round Results

Durban City 4-1 Polokwane City (AET)

Orbit College 0-1 TS Galaxy (AET)

Orlando Pirates 1-0 Siwelele

Golden Arrows 3-1 Sekhukhune United

Mamelodi Sundowns 0-0 Marumo Gallants (AET)

• Marumo Gallants advance 7-6 in a penalty shootout

Richards Bay 4-1 Chippa United

Stellenbosch 0-0 Kaizer Chiefs (AET)

• Stellenbosch advance 5-4 in a penalty shootout

AmaZulu 2-3 Magesi FC