Late drama at FNB Stadium as Stellenbosch edge Chiefs

In a high-stakes encounter at the FNB Stadium, Stellenbosch FC continued their dominance over Kaizer Chiefs this season, securing a 2-1 victory in a Betway Premiership tie.

Despite a late push from the Amakhosi, a clinical finish in the 87th minute ensured that the visitors walked away with all three points, leaving Chiefs in a precarious position ahead of the Soweto Derby set for Saturday.

Stellenbosch entered the match with psychological confidence, having already knocked Chiefs out of two cup competitions this campaign. But it was Chiefs, who took the lead in the 35th minute when Flavio Silva found the back of the net as Chiefs went into the break leading 1-0.

Second Half: The Comeback By Stellenbosch and the Heartbreak

Stellenbosch responded with intent after the restart. In the 50th minute, Langelihle Phili levelled the scoring, sparking hopes of a comeback.

The final 15 minutes were frantic. In the 82nd minute, Paseka Mako saw a golden opportunity blocked from close range. A few moments later, in what was a tactical throw of the dice, Chiefs brought on Gastón Sirino for Lebohang Maboe to find a winner.

But the strategy backfired almost immediately. Against the run of play, Devin Titus unleashed a right-footed shot from the left side of the box into the top right corner, assisted by Ibraheem Jabaar.

The match ended on a sour note for the hosts as Zitha Kwinika picked up a yellow card in the 89th minute for a frustrated foul, symbolising a night of missed opportunities.

Implications & Stats

This defeat marks a “triple crown” of losses for the Soweto giants against Stellenbosch this season, adding to their exits in the Nedbank Cup and Carling Knockout Cup.