Carling Knockout Review: Sundowns, Chiefs, Pirates & Stellenbosch Book Semi-Final Spots

Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC have booked their places in the Carling Knockout semifinals following an entertaining round of quarter-final action.

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Sundowns and Pirates secured narrow 1-0 victories over Golden Arrows and Sekhukhune United respectively, while Chiefs came from behind to defeat Siwelele FC 2-1. Stellenbosch completed the semi-final lineup with a dramatic 2-1 victory over AmaZulu, courtesy of a stoppage-time penalty.

With all three of South African football’s traditional heavyweights still in contention, the competition is shaping up for an exciting conclusion.

Sundowns Edge Golden Arrows To Advance

Mamelodi Sundowns became the first team to reach the semi-finals after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Golden Arrows at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday evening.

Miguel Cardoso’s side dominated possession but struggled to break down a disciplined Arrows defence before Iqraam Rayners eventually found the breakthrough in the second half.

Although the performance was far from convincing, Sundowns did enough to progress and remain firmly in contention for another domestic trophy.

Their reward is a blockbuster semi-final showdown against Kaizer Chiefs.

Pirates Continue Their Title Defence

Defending champions Orlando Pirates maintained their impressive cup form with a narrow 1-0 victory over Sekhukhune United at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.

Nineteen-year-old Mpho Padi scored the decisive goal in the 31st minute, netting his second goal of the season and continuing his impressive emergence in the Buccaneers’ first team.

Pirates defended their slender advantage to secure another important victory, extending their perfect cup record against Sekhukhune to five wins from five meetings.

The result also maintained Pirates’ outstanding home record, with the Soweto giants winning all 11 of their home matches across all competitions this season.

They will now travel to Stellenbosch for a place in the final.

Chiefs Come From Behind To Beat Siwelele

Kaizer Chiefs demonstrated tremendous character to defeat Siwelele FC 2-1 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday, securing their first Carling Knockout semi-final appearance since the 2019/20 season.

Amakhosi endured a difficult start when Siyabonga Ndebele headed Siwelele into an 11th-minute lead. Their frustrations continued when Mduduzi Shabalala missed a penalty, but Wandile Duba restored parity from the spot shortly before halftime.

With the encounter seemingly heading towards extra time, substitute Asenele Velebayi scored the winning goal in the 84th minute to complete the comeback.

Duba’s equaliser also took his tournament tally to four goals, making him the Carling Knockout’s leading goalscorer.

Chiefs now face the daunting prospect of travelling to Sundowns in the semi-finals, although Sunday’s victory will provide a significant confidence boost.

Stellenbosch Leave It Late Against AmaZulu

Stellenbosch FC produced the most dramatic finish of the quarter-finals, defeating AmaZulu 2-1 at the Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday evening.

Chumani Butsaka opened the scoring in the 28th minute, but AmaZulu responded just five minutes later through Mlondi Mbanjwa.

With the match heading towards extra time, Stellenbosch were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time, allowing Sinoxolo Kwayiba to convert the decisive spot-kick and send the home supporters into celebration.

The victory ended AmaZulu’s six-match winning streak across all competitions and kept Stellenbosch’s hopes of reclaiming the trophy they won in 2023 alive.

However, they face a difficult semi-final assignment against defending champions Orlando Pirates.

Carling Knockout Semi-Final Draw

The semi-final draw has produced two mouthwatering encounters:

• Mamelodi Sundowns vs Kaizer Chiefs
• Stellenbosch FC vs Orlando Pirates

Sundowns will enter their clash against Chiefs as favourites, but Amakhosi will be determined to build on their impressive comeback victory over Siwelele.

Meanwhile, Pirates will fancy their chances of reaching another final, although Stellenbosch have already demonstrated their ability to produce dramatic results in knockout football.