Kwayiba Delivers Late Double as Stellenbosch Send Durban City Crashing Out of Carling Knockout

Stellenbosch FC booked their place in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals after securing a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Durban City FC at Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday evening.

A second-half brace from Sinoxolo Kwayiba proved decisive as Gavin Hunt's men found their breakthrough late in the match to end Durban City's hopes of progressing to the next round. The result also confirmed Stellenbosch's place in the last eight for the third consecutive season.

The encounter began with both teams struggling to create clear-cut scoring opportunities. Durban City enjoyed periods of possession, but Stellenbosch remained organised defensively, ensuring that neither side could establish a meaningful advantage during the opening half.

The hosts were hoping to use their home-ground advantage to continue their impressive progress following their recent qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup group stages. However, Stellenbosch arrived determined to extend their cup campaign and move closer to another opportunity to compete for silverware.

Durban City showed greater attacking intent after the restart, with Haashim Domingo testing Stellenbosch goalkeeper Nathan Garrow with a powerful long-range effort in the 51st minute. Garrow responded with an excellent diving save to keep the visitors in the contest.

Stellenbosch also created promising opportunities, but Durban City's defence initially managed to withstand the pressure. Goalkeeper Frederick Asare made important interventions, while the home side continued searching for an opening goal of their own.

As the match progressed, it appeared that the contest could require extra time. However, Stellenbosch found the breakthrough in the 84th minute through Kwayiba.

Substitute Lateef Kazeem played a crucial role in the goal, delivering a dangerous low cross from the left that Kwayiba converted with a first-time finish. The goal shifted the momentum firmly in favour of the visitors and left Durban City facing an uphill battle.

The hosts pushed forward in search of an equaliser, creating opportunities through Ethan Brooks and Samkelo Maseko. However, neither player managed to find the target as Stellenbosch defended their advantage.

Durban City's late attacking push ultimately proved costly. Stellenbosch launched a swift counterattack in stoppage time, with Kazeem once again providing the decisive pass for Kwayiba to complete his brace in the 94th minute.

The second goal secured a deserved victory for the visitors and confirmed their progression into the quarter-finals.

Stellenbosch will now turn their attention to their next challenge, with AmaZulu FC awaiting them in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals. Hunt's team will also be eager to maintain its momentum in the Betway Premiership.

For Durban City, the defeat represents a disappointing end to their cup ambitions, although their attention must quickly shift to their upcoming league encounter against Mamelodi Sundowns.

With Kwayiba delivering when it mattered most, Stellenbosch have demonstrated their ability to remain patient and punish opponents late in crucial matches. Their cup journey remains alive, and the Western Cape outfit will now hope to take another step towards lifting the trophy.

Source https://x.com/FARPostZA/status/2115518184019337562?a=HY9DUrrEMKQQtM8PwJM&s=19