AFCON winner's extra-time strike stuns AmaZulu FC as Stellenbosch FC win five-goal thriller duel to join Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United in MTN8 semi-finals

Stellenbosch advanced to the MTN8 semi-final after beating AmaZulu 3-2 at the DHL Stadium on Sunday. 

After a 2-2 draw in regulation time, the winner of the quarter-final showdown had to be decided in extra time, and it was Stellies who managed to grab the all-important goal. 

Meanwhile, Usuthu broke the deadlock in the 19th minute when Keegan Allan found the back of the net.

The lead did not last long, as Stellies fought back and registered an equaliser in the 25th minute. Sanele Barns was the scorer as he pulled his side level after a beautiful joint move by the team. However, Devin Titus has to take huge credit for his precise final pass that Barns collected and scored from. 

Arthur Zwane was forced to make a change in the 33rd minute when Richard Ofori got injured and could not proceed. The former Kaizer Chiefs head coach brought Olwethu Mzimela to replace the experienced goalkeeper.

Barns gave Stellies the lead when he struck a precise long-range free kick that Mzimela had little chance of stopping in the 68th minute.

The lead did not last long, as AmaZulu struck back when Tebogo Mashigo equalised in the 73rd minute. 

The dramatic, high-octane game extended to extra time after a 2-2 draw at the end of regulation time.

The Maroons stunned Usuthu in the 117th minute of extra time with a goal scored by Phili, a member of South Africa's 2025 U20 AFCON winning squad.

After a dramatic encounter in regulation time, both teams needed a saviour who could step up and score the winning goal. Phili did just that for Stellies, who will now be part of the MTN8 last four. 

Zwane's bid to win the trophy has ended unsuccessfully. Although his side showed grit and determination, he was outclassed by Steve Barker in the end.  

Stellies now join Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United in the semi-final. The draw of the semi-final will be conducted after the Mamelodi Sundowns game against Richards Bay on Sunday night.  

For Usuthu, their MTN8 journey this season has ended, and now they have their focus solely on the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League season.