Kwayiba Fires Stellenbosch FC Into Carling Knockout Quarter-Finals After Late Double Against Durban City

Stellenbosch FC have secured their place in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals after producing a late attacking masterclass to defeat Durban City FC 2-0 at Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Sinoxolo Kwayiba was the hero for the Western Cape outfit, scoring twice in the closing stages to ensure that Gavin Hunt's men became the final team to book their place in the last eight of the competition.

The result keeps Stellenbosch's cup ambitions alive while bringing Durban City's campaign to an end.

Kwayiba Delivers When It Matters Most

The encounter started cautiously, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut scoring opportunities during the opening exchanges.

Durban City suffered an early setback when Gaston Sirino was forced off through injury in the 16th minute. The former Kaizer Chiefs attacker was replaced by Samkelo Maseko, who subsequently tested Stellenbosch goalkeeper Nathan Garrow with a volley.

Both teams had opportunities to break the deadlock before the interval, but neither could find the decisive finish. The sides consequently went into half-time with the scoreline locked at 0-0.

Durban City continued to threaten after the restart, with Haashim Domingo and Letsie Koapeng attempting to put the hosts ahead. However, Garrow remained alert between the posts.

Stellenbosch gradually grew into the contest, and Hunt's substitutions eventually proved decisive.

The introduction of Kazeem Adeyanju in the 66th minute provided the visitors with an additional attacking threat.

In the 84th minute, Adeyanju delivered an excellent cross that Kwayiba converted to give Stellenbosch a crucial 1-0 advantage.

Durban City attempted to respond, but Stellenbosch remained organised and continued looking for opportunities to put the contest beyond their opponents.

Kwayiba ultimately sealed the victory in stoppage time, finishing off a swift counterattack following another assist from Adeyanju.

His second goal completed a memorable individual performance and confirmed Stellenbosch's progression into the quarter-finals.

Stellenbosch Face AmaZulu in the Last Eight

The victory sets up an intriguing quarter-final encounter against AmaZulu FC, who also secured their place in the next round.

Stellenbosch will now turn their attention towards maintaining their momentum as the competition enters a decisive stage.

Meanwhile, Durban City must regroup after seeing their hopes of adding another cup triumph to their recent achievements disappear.

The defeat will be disappointing for Eric Tinkler's side, particularly after a competitive performance that kept the contest goalless for more than 80 minutes.

Stellenbosch will next host Chippa United in the Betway Premiership on 31 October, while Durban City are scheduled to travel to face Mamelodi Sundowns.

With Kwayiba demonstrating his ability to deliver under pressure, Stellenbosch will be encouraged by their attacking options heading into the quarter-finals.

The Carling Knockout now promises another exciting round of fixtures as South Africa's top clubs continue their pursuit of silverware.

Source https://x.com/i/status/2115517399441063980