Nedbank Cup Quarter-Final Result: AmaZulu 1-2 Casric Stars (after extra
time)
Date: 07 March 2026
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium
Casric Stars added another famous scalp to their Nedbank Cup collection on
Saturday afternoon, edging out AmaZulu 2-1 after extra time to book their
place in the semi-finals of South Africa’s premier knockout competition.
The Motsepe Foundation Championship side, who have made a habit of
upsetting top-flight opposition, produced a resilient performance to send
the Durban crowd home disappointed.
First Half: Stars Stun Usuthu
AmaZulu made just one alteration to the side that played to a goalless
draw against Magesi FC, with Athin Maqokolo coming in for the suspended
Ngwenya. Casric Stars, meanwhile, recalled Thabang Rakwena, Leletu Skelem
and Mfundo Thikazi following their narrow 1-0 victory over Bees last
weekend.
The visitors’ changes paid dividends inside 12 minutes. A devastating
counter-attack saw Skelem turn provider, unselfishly squaring the ball for
Thikazi, who made no mistake with a composed first-time finish past
goalkeeper Darren Johnson.
Usuthu pressed for an immediate response, and Nkosikhona Radebe came close
to levelling matters before the 20-minute mark, only to be denied by a
fine save from Stars goalkeeper Wandile Mthombeni.
The home side’s hopes suffered a significant setback with 15 minutes
remaining in the first half when Johnson, clearly struggling with an
earlier knock, was forced off. His replacement, Richard Ofori, was making
his first Betway Premiership appearance since September.
Second Half: Ekstein Restores Parity
AmaZulu emerged from the interval with renewed purpose and found their
equaliser just three minutes after the restart. Maqokolo played a clever
pass into the path of Hendrick Ekstein, who showed delightful composure to
lift the ball into the far corner for his second goal of the competition.
The equaliser sparked a period of sustained pressure from the hosts, who
pushed forward relentlessly in search of a winner. Teboho Mashigo spurned
a glorious opportunity just after the hour mark, blazing over the crossbar
from six yards out when it seemed easier to score.
As the half wore on, both sides struggled with their decision-making in
the final third, and clear-cut chances became increasingly scarce. The
game drifted towards the 90-minute mark with the scores level, forcing an
additional 30 minutes of play.
Extra Time: Chauke Seals the Upset
Just as penalties loomed, Casric Stars found a decisive moment in the
second half of extra time. Substitute Decide Chauke collected a pass from
Makua, turned intelligently inside the box, and drilled a low shot that
kissed the upright on its way into the net, sparking wild celebrations
among the visitors.
AmaZulu pushed desperately for a second equalizer in the dying minutes,
but Stars held firm to secure their passage to the last four and continue
their remarkable run as the tournament’s giant killers.
How They Lined Up:
AmaZulu: Johnson (Ofori 30′), Radebe, Hanamub, Mthethwa, Fielies, Dube,
Mhlongo, Hlangabeza, Mashigo, Maqokolo, Ekstein
Subs not used: Gustavo, Ngcobo, Zungu, Slatsha, Mbanjwa, Sithole,
Kutumela, Kambindu
Casric Stars: Mthombeni, Mofokeng, Lekhatla, Mtshweni, Mlilo, Thikazi,
Meveni, Skelem, Makua, Rakwena, Nana
Subs not used: Lako, Wendeu, Chabalalala, Marebane, Mogale, Zwane, Ntuli,
Tchouplaou, Chauke, Kgosana
