Stellenbosch have become the third team to book their spot into the MTN8 semi-final following a 3-2 win over AmaZulu in the quarter-final on Sunday.
Stellies had to do it the hard way as they were taken to extra-time following a 2-2 draw in regulation time at the DHL Stadium.
Following a cagey opening fifteen minutes, AmaZulu drew first blood. Keagan Allan tapped in Sandile Mthethwa's pass in the 18th minute, marking a debut goal for the newcomer.
The lead was short-lived, however. Stellenbosch responded quickly with a well-executed counter-attack. Sanele Barns leveled the score in the 25th minute, finishing from close range after a setup by Devin Titus.
Early missed opportunities for both Stellies
AmaZulu suffered a setback when Richard Ofori was forced off with an injury and was replaced by Olwethu Mzimela around the half-hour mark.
Just before halftime, Titus fired a shot narrowly over the bar, while Andre de Jong forced a save from Mzimela as both teams went into the break tied at 1-1.
The second half began with missed opportunities for Barns and Titus as the home side pressed for the go-ahead goal.
Barns eventually broke the deadlock, netting his second goal of the match in the 68th minute with a well-placed free kick.
Extra-time needed to decide tight encounter
Once again, the lead proved precarious. Tebogo Mashigo equalised just four minutes later, chipping the ball over Sage Stephens after a swift AmaZulu counter.
Late chances fell to Taariq Fielies, Ben Motshwari, and Hendrik Ekstein for AmaZulu, but they couldn't find the back of the net, sending the match into extra-time.
After a goalless first period of the extra 30 minutes, substitute and former AmaZulu player Langelihle Phili put Stellenbosch ahead, scoring from distance against his old club to secure the victory.
Stellies join holders Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United in the semis with either Mamelodi Sundowns or Richards Bay set to complete the set later on Sunday evening.
