Sorry, Makhosi! Kaizer Chiefs fall in Carling Knockout Cup as Stellenbosch prevail to join Orlando Pirates at the quarter-finals

Kaizer Chiefs have been eliminated from the Carling Knockout Cup Round of 16 after suffering a 5-4 penalty shootout defeat to Stellenbosch following a 0-0 draw at full time at DHL Stadium, Cape Town, on Sunday.

The first most open chance for Chiefs came in the 15th minute, but Khanyisa Mayo was denied by the woodwork.

Despite playing with 10 men, Stellenbosch withstood the pressure and finally booked their place in the next phase as Chiefs are left frustrated.  

Meanwhile, Stellies also did not sit back as they pressed Chiefs, and in the 27th minute, they won a free kick from a promising position from the left, but Khomotjo Lekoloane could not find the back of the net.

There was a 36th-minute chance for the home side, but Genino Palace could only send the ball straight into Fiacre Ntwari's waiting hands. 

Oscarine Masuluke saved the Maroons from going down in the 49th minute when he blocked a close-range shot by Mduduzi Shabalala. The keeper was alert once again as he blocked Mayo's effort, while Pule Mmodi's attempt to capitalise on the rebound was not successful as Thabo Moloisane blocked it.

A minute after the hour mark, Stellenbosch were forced to make a change as Masuluke got injured and could not continue. In his place, experienced Sage Stephens was brought on. 

Stellenbosch suffered a further setback when Thapelo Mokobodi was shown red for a second bookable offence in the 106th minute of extra time.

Thabo Moloisane, Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Sage Stephens, Athenkosi Mcaba, and Sanele Barns scored the crucial post-match penalties for Stellenbosch, while Andre de Jong was denied.

For Chiefs, Gaston Sirino, Thabo Cele, Aden McCarthy, and Bradley Cross scored their respective penalties, but Tashreeq Morris and Dillon Solomons were denied.

Stephens made two crucial saves to help Stellies eliminate Chiefs and progress. The substitution that saw him thrown into action could have been a blessing in disguise for them. 

Fiacre Ntwari, who was given his first start since November last year, showed resilience and even saved one of the Stellenbosch penalties. However, his effort could not count for much as Chiefs saw their campaign end.   

Amakhosi will be back in action on October 18 when they will play Simba from DR Congo in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Stellies, on the other hand, will be up against 15 de Agosto from Equatorial Guinea for their respective Confederation Cup match on October 18.