PIC: Kaizer Chiefs’ Thabiso Monyane attempts a spectacular strike against Stellenbosch

Kaizer Chiefs became the first defending champions to be eliminated in the Last 32 of the Nedbank Cup since TS Galaxy in 2020, after they went down 2-1 to Stellenbosch FC at a sold-out Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday.

Chiefs were two goals down by halftime before launching a spirited comeback, but they were unable to force an equaliser that would have taken the match to extra time.

Four-time winners Mamelodi Sundowns edged through after a difficult encounter against second-tier Gomora United, securing a 2-1 victory.

Stellenbosch took the lead in Cape Town from the penalty spot when Nigerian midfielder Ibraheem Jabaar converted after 10 minutes.

The hosts doubled their advantage with a superb strike from Devin Titus, who collected the ball 30 yards from goal and rifled his effort into the back of the net.

Chiefs forced several excellent saves from Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens and also struck the woodwork on a couple of occasions on an unlucky night for the 2025 champions.

They reduced the deficit when forward Flávio Silva converted from the penalty spot in the 56th minute, but were unable to find a second goal.

Both sides had further chances to score thereafter, but there were no additional goals.

The result provided revenge for Stellenbosch, who were beaten 3-1 by Chiefs last season in the Nedbank Cup as AmaKhosi went on to lift the trophy.

Sundowns were made to work hard for their win as Gomora put up a spirited display in their Nedbank Cup debut. The Brazilians extended their record of never having lost to lower-league opposition in the competition, a run that now stands at 24 matches (W23 D1).

Peter Shalulile scored the opener to extend his record as the leading scorer in Nedbank Cup matches to 15 goals, moving further clear of Hlompho Kekana and Kermit Erasmus, who have each scored 11.

Mpho Maoke netted his first-ever goal in professional football to equalise for Gomora just before halftime, sending the teams into the break level at 1-1.

However, Sundowns’ greater experience told in the second half, and Thapelo Morena, who has a rich history in the competition after scoring the winning goal in the 2022 final, struck just past the hour mark to seal a 2-1 victory.

NEDBANK CUP LAST 32 FIXTURES/RESULTS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4

Mamelodi Sundowns 2 (Shalulile 41’, Morena 61’) Gomora United 1 (Maoke 45’)

Stellenbosch FC 2 (Jabaar 10’pen, Titus 22’) Kaizer Chiefs 1 (Silva 56’pen)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6

19h00: Durban City vs Chippa United – Chatsworth Stadium

19h00: CR Vasco da Gama vs Luthuli Brigades – Athlone Stadium

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7

15h00: Highbury FC vs Sekhukhune United – Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

15h00: Upington City vs Magesi FC – Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium

15h00: Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila vs Orlando Pirates – Moses Mabhida Stadium

15h00: FC Cardinals vs Jacksa Spears – Goble Park

15h00: Army Rockets FC vs Casric Stars – Olympia Park

18h00: Lamontville Golden Arrows vs Orbit College – King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8

15h00: TS Galaxy vs Marumo Gallants – Solomon Mahlangu Stadium

15h00: Hungry Lions vs University of Pretoria – Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium

15h00: Mkhambathi FC vs Lerumo Lions – Harry Gwala Stadium

18h00: Siwelele vs Richards Bay – Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10

19h00: SSU M-17 FC vs Milford FC – Dobsonville Stadium

19h00: Polokwane City vs AmaZulu – Old Peter Mokaba Stadium

TOURNAMENT STATISTICS
Matches played: 2
Goals scored: 6

Goals per game: 3.00

Biggest victory: Mamelodi Sundowns 2 Gomora United 1 (Last 32, February 4); Stellenbosch FC 2 Kaizer Chiefs 1 (Last 32, February 4)

Most goals in a game: 3 - Mamelodi Sundowns 2 Gomora United 1 (Last 32, February 4); Stellenbosch FC 2 Kaizer Chiefs 1 (Last 32, February 4)

GOALSCORERS
1 goal – Ibraheem Jabaar (Stellenbosch FC), Mpho Moake (Gomora United), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns); Peter Shalulile (Mamelodi Sundowns), Flávio Silva (Kaizer Chiefs), Devin Titus (Stellenbosch FC)