Durban City FC were knocked out of the Carling Knockout competition on Wednesday, falling to a two-goal loss against Stellenbosch in the last 16. Sinoxolo Kwayiba scored both goals late in the match to decide the outcome and send the visiting team into the next round. This 0-2 defeat, which occurred on Wednesday 28 October, mirrors a difficult league campaign where the club sits 10th in the Premier Soccer League with just seven points from eight games, having recorded one win, four draws, and three losses.
Durban City, also known as the Team of Choice, had to make an early change when Gaston Sirino was injured and replaced by Samkelo Maseko. The home side had a number of opportunities in the first half, with Tylo Sanger and Maseko both missing the target.
After the interval, Haashim Domingo tested the Stellenbosch goalkeeper, but the visitors improved. Both Quwan Plaatjies and Durban City's Letsie Koapeng failed to score with headers. The scoreless game was ended close to the final whistle when Kwayiba scored following a cross from Lateef Kazeem. Kwayiba then added a second goal in stoppage time, again assisted by Kazeem.
Stellenbosch won due to strong defending and taking their chances at key times. Their manager, Steve Barker, commended his players for sticking to their plan and noted the positive effect of the substitutes later in the game.
Durban City's manager, Fadlu Davids, was disappointed his team did not score when they were on top in the first half and pointed to defensive mistakes. He stressed the importance of maintaining focus for the entire game against strong opponents.
This cup loss comes during a tough spell for Durban City in the league. Their recent form across all competitions shows two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five outings. In the league, they have scored only five goals while conceding seven, leaving them with a negative two goal difference and a significant 16 points behind the leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns. They next play a league match against that top team, Mamelodi Sundowns, away on Sunday 1 November.
Stellenbosch will play in the quarter-finals against whichever team wins between Kaizer Chiefs and Royal AM. The draw for that round will happen after all the last 16 matches are finished.
The Carling Knockout defeat was confirmed by the league's official match data, which recorded Sinoxolo Kwayiba's goals in the 84th and 94th minutes, both assisted by Kazeem Adeyanju. This loss, Durban City's second in their last five matches across all competitions, extends a difficult domestic spell. The club, 10th in the Betway Premiership, must now prepare for a league trip to face leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on 31 October.
Stellenbosch coach Gavin Hunt confirmed his side will host AmaZulu in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals. Hunt, speaking after the 2-0 win over his former club on 28 October, praised his team's resilience and the impact of his substitutes. The defeat is Durban City's second loss in their last five matches, a run of two wins, one draw and two defeats. They now face a league trip to leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on 31 October.
Durban City manager Eric Tinkler confirmed the cup exit ends their hopes of winning another trophy after last season’s Nedbank Cup success. The club, 10th in the Premier Soccer League with seven points from eight games, must now focus on the league. Their recent form shows two wins, one draw and two losses in their last five matches. They face a difficult trip to leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on 31 October.
Stellenbosch manager Steve Barker confirmed his team's quarter-final opponent. Barker said, "We will host AmaZulu in the next round." The defeat is Durban City's second loss in their last five matches, a run of two wins, one draw and two defeats.
