AmaZulu and Sekhukhune Shine as Carling Knockout Quarter-Final Race Heats Up

AmaZulu and Sekhukhune United March Into Carling Knockout Quarter-Finals After Crucial Victories

AmaZulu FC and Sekhukhune United have secured their places in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals after recording hard-fought victories on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Both teams delivered important performances to keep their hopes of lifting the prestigious domestic cup alive.

AmaZulu were forced to work hard for their narrow 1-0 victory over Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium, while Sekhukhune United produced a convincing 3-1 win against Richards Bay FC at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

For AmaZulu, substitute Hendrick Ekstein emerged as the match-winner, demonstrating composure when his team needed him most. The former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder converted a second-half penalty to send Usuthu into the last eight of the competition.

The encounter against Kruger United was a closely contested affair, with both sides creating opportunities but struggling to find the breakthrough during the opening stages.

AmaZulu threatened early through Mondli Mbanjwa, whose header forced an excellent save from Kruger goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou. Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya also played an important role in creating attacking opportunities, but AmaZulu could not capitalise on their early pressure.

Kruger United gradually grew into the match and began asking questions of the AmaZulu defence. The hosts showed determination and enjoyed periods of attacking momentum, although they lacked the finishing quality required to take the lead.

The deadlock was eventually broken in the 78th minute after Kruger substitute Tatenda Tavengwa handled the ball inside the penalty area. Ekstein stepped forward and confidently converted the resulting spot-kick to give AmaZulu a crucial advantage.

Kruger refused to surrender and pushed forward in search of an equaliser. However, goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela produced an important late save to deny Lesedi Kapinga, ensuring that AmaZulu held on for victory.

The result represents another encouraging step for Arthur Zwane's side, who will now turn their attention to the quarter-final draw and their upcoming Betway Premiership commitments.

Meanwhile, Sekhukhune United delivered an impressive performance against Richards Bay to secure their quarter-final ticket.

Chibuike Ohizu opened the scoring in the 53rd minute before Thabang Makubo doubled Sekhukhune's advantage in the 82nd minute. Richards Bay responded through Nqaba Xulu just a minute later, briefly raising hopes of a comeback.

However, Bethuel Muzeu struck in the 88th minute to restore Sekhukhune's two-goal cushion and seal a valuable 3-1 victory.

The wins mean AmaZulu and Sekhukhune join Golden Arrows and Siwelele FC in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals.

With several heavyweight clubs still competing for qualification, the remaining last-16 fixtures promise more drama as South African football's knockout competition gathers momentum.

For AmaZulu and Sekhukhune, Sunday's victories provide renewed belief that they can challenge for silverware this season.

Source https://x.com/FARPostZA/status/2114423898901004320