Reigning Nedbank Cup Champions Kaizer Chiefs Exit At The First Hurdle

In their quest for the Nedbank Cup title defense, reigning champions Kaizer Chiefs exited at the first hurdle.

This is after they suffered a 2-1 loss to Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday night at the sold-out DHL Stadium in Cape Town.

The game started 30 minutes late to allow more spectators to get to the grandstands.

Eight minutes after kick-off, the home side Stellies took the lead through a penalty kick converted by Ibraheem Jabaar, making it 1-0.

This occurred after striker Flavio Da Silva kicked Thabo Moloisane in the face. The injured Moloisane was replaced by Henri Stanic, who was solid in the heart of the Stellenbosch defense.

Chiefs then took the game to Stellies’ defense, but goalkeeper Sage Stephens stood firm against Mduduzi Shabalala.

Firstly, Shabalala found himself one-on-one with Stephens, but the goalie produced a one-handed save to deny Shabalala.

In the 23rd minute, Devin Titus scored a scorcher from outside the box to make it 2-0 after Thulani Mabaso lost the ball in the middle of the park.

Stephens produced another save against Shabalala after he went through one-on-one again.

(Image: @StellenboschFC /X)

For the third time in the game, Shabalala found himself through on goal, but Stanic’s well-timed tackle saw him clear the ball in the nick of time before Shabalala could take a shot.

In the second half, Chiefs’ danger man Glody Lilepo struck the woodwork with a one-time shot from Da Silva’s cross.

From the rebound, Chiefs regained possession, and following a cross from Da Silva, it struck Musa Lebusa’s arm, resulting in a penalty kick for Amakhosi.

Da Silva took the responsibility and converted from 12 yards out to reduce the score to 2-1.

Despite pushing for the equalizer, Stellies’ defence remained resolute ensuring they go through to the last 16 of the tournament.