The home side had the first chance of the match with Sinoxolo Kwayiba going close to scoring with a fourth minute header before seeing his shot saved by Olwethu Mzimela a minute later.

Usuthu had a glorious chance to take the lead through talisman Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya but he could not finish after delaying his eighth minute shot.

The Maroons finally broke the deadlock in the 29th minute with Chumani Butsaka volleying his side into the lead however Mlondi Mbanjwa equalized for the visitors just four minutes later.

Athini Maqokolo almost put AmaZulu in the lead, but his long-range attempt went just wide before Quwan Plaatjies and George Matlou also seeing their efforts go close for Stellies just before half-time.

The second half saw a cautious approach from both sides with Sandile Mthethwa being forced off for the KwaZulu-Natal side due to injury in the 50th minute.

Two minutes later Mbanjwa went close to scoring but narrowly missed the target following a fast counter-attacking move with Maqokolo before Ngwenya almost scored with a header from a corner.

Both teams resorted to speculative attempts from range in search of a matchwinner until defender Taariq Fielies handled in the penalty box, with Kwayiba converting from the spot deep into stoppage time.

Stellenbosch join Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs in the next round.