Stellenbosch FC’s journey in the 2025 Nedbank Cup came to an end on Saturday following a controversial 3-1 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs in the quarter-finals at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.

In a match originally set to be played in Stellenbosch but moved to the Eastern Cape due to stadium availability and fixture conflicts, Stellenbosch FC hosted Kaizer Chiefs at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium for the highly-anticipated last-eight encounter.

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Chiefs took the lead in the 20th minute of the tie when Inacio Miguel converted from the penalty spot after Ivorian defender Ismael Toure handled the ball inside his own box.

Stellenbosch pushed for an equaliser and the persistence paid off late in the match when Andre de Jong leveled the score in the 87th minute, heading home a well-placed corner from Sanele Barns to spark celebrations among the Stellies faithful.

However, controversy followed just minutes later in stoppage time when Pule Mmodi found the back of the net and ultimately the winning goal for the Amakhosi.

The goal was initially ruled out by the linesman for a foul by on goalkeeper Sage Stephens, but after a consultation involving the referee, the linesman, and seemingly the fourth official, the decision was overturned, allowing Chiefs to snatch the lead at the death.

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In a desperate bid to find another equaliser, Stellenbosch threw everything forward, including goalkeeper Sage Stephens, but Chiefs capitalized on the situation as Mfundo Vilakazi sealed the victory with a breakaway goal, making it 3-1 in the final moments of the match.

Stellenbosch FC starting XI: Stephens, Enyinnaya (Barns 70′), Basadien, Toure, Moloisane, Nduli, Butsaka (De Jong 58′), Khiba (Jabaar 86′), Lekoloane (Nku 58′), Titus, Cupido (Philu 70′)