Stellies down AmaZulu to reach MTN8 semi-finals
Stellenbosch FC advanced to the semi-finals of the MTN8 after securing a hard-fought 3-2 win over AmaZulu at DHL Stadium.
The team from the Cape Winelands will play Sekhukhune United in the semi-final of this year’s MTN8 competition after overcoming AmaZulu in an entertaining last-eight encounter in Cape Town on Sunday afternoon.
Steve Barker’s side endured an early setback en route to the semis after Usuthu opened the scoring in the 19th minute through Keegan Allen, whose scrambled effort had just enough on it to squeeze past Stellies goalkeeper Sage Stephens.
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However, the guests’ lead lasted less than six minutes before Sanele Barns fired the hosts level, timing his run perfectly to tap home a sublime cross from Devin Titus.
The two sides went into the break level, and Barns nearly doubled his tally shortly after the restart with a well-taken free-kick, only to be denied by a sharp save from substitute goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela.
The Bafana Bafana midfielder wouldn’t be denied again, though, and made no mistake when Stellenbosch were awarded another free-kick soon after, curling a superb effort beyond Mzimela’s reach to fire the Maroons ahead.
Deadly from dead-ball situations 🔥 pic.twitter.com/sxSqP8Tow2
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) August 4, 2025
This time, it was Stellies’ lead that was short-lived as AmaZulu hit back almost immediately through Tebogo Mashigo, who capitalized on defensive uncertainty to restore parity in the tie and force the match into extra time.
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With the club winding down, and a penalty shootout looking inevitable, super-sub Langelihle Phili produced a moment of magic for Stellenbosch when he let loose an unstoppable effort from range to earn his side the win.
Stellenbosch will next host Sekhukhune United, who downed TS Galaxy in their quarter-final clash on Friday, in the semi-final of this year’s tournament. Fixture dates, venues, and times will be confirmed in due course.