Kaizer Chiefs controversially beat Stellenbosch FC to seal their place in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals

Kaizer Chiefs' quest to end their trophy drought was boosted on Saturday evening with a 3-1 win over Stellenbosch at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

It was a massive test for either side; having won the initial two meetings in the Premier Soccer League, Amakhosi knew Stellies would be aiming at avenging the losses.

The pressure from the Soweto giants paid off in the 20th minute when Ismael Toure deliberately handled the ball in the danger zone, and Inacio Miguel capitalised on the advantage to score what turned out to be the winning goal.

It seemed the Nasreddine Nabi-led team had done enough, but Stellenbosch had other ideas.

In the 86th minute, Sanele Barns delivered a good corner that was headed in by Andre de Jong to break Chiefs hearts.

However, the determined Amakhosi grabbed the controversial winner in the sixth minute of added time.

They won a corner, and it seemed Pule Mmodi had taken advantage of a poor clearance to score the winner, only for the assistant referee to claim there was a push from George Matlou on goalkeeper Sage Stephens. Nevertheless, the center referee awarded it after consultations with the other officials.

Mfundo Vilakazi sealed the game when he raced clear from a counterattack after the hosts had failed to connect a corner ball and the youngster did well to go all the way and score.

Advancing to the semi-final is a massive step for Chiefs, which will give them confidence as they continue rebuilding.

Thabo Cele was instrumental in the game, ensuring he made things happen.

He was determined to win the duels and 50/50 challenges against Stellies.

Why did Hugo Broos overlook him in his recent Bafana squad?

One player who was lucky to finish the game was Ismail Toure.

First, his deliberate handball in the danger zone needed a yellow card, but the referee gave Chiefs a penalty from which Miguel scored.

He then shoved Gaston Sirino to receive his caution, which means he will be suspended for the next game against Orlando Pirates.

The Glamour Boys can keep alive their hope of ending the trophy drought that has lasted a decade.

However, they still need to push for top positions in the Premier Soccer League, whereby they will play Cape Town City in their next outing.

Stellies are definitely unhappy with the result, but it might be a blessing in disguise.

They can now concentrate on finishing third or even second in the PSL, as well as getting into the latter stages of the Caf Confederation Cup; they are currently in the quarter-finals.