UPSET: Bucs Slayers Eliminate AmaZulu In Ne…

(Photo by Gerhard Duraan/Gallo Images)

Giant killers Casric Stars claimed another big scalp in the Nedbank Cup after defeating AmaZulu 2-1 to advance to the semi-finals on Saturday afternoon.

Nedbank Cup

Teams: AmaZulu 1-2 Casric Stars

Date: 07 March 2026

Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium

Usuthu made just one change from their goalless draw against Magesi FC as Athin Maqokolo replaced Ngwenya, who sent off during the midweek encounter while Stars recalled Thabang Rakwena, Leletu Skelem and Mfundo Thikazi after their 1-0 win the Bees last weekend.

The changes paid off for the visitors after 12 minutes when a swift counter-attack ended with Skelem unselfishly teed up Thikazi, who sent a neat first-time effort past goalkeeper Darren Johnson.

The home side looked to get themselves back on level terms as Nkosikhona Radebe went close to pulling his side level before the 20-minute mark but Stars goalkeeper Wandile Mthombeni produced a fine save to keep out the ull-back’s powerful strike.

AmaZulu were then dealt a blow with 15 minutes left in the first half when Johnson was unable to recover from an earlier knock and had to be replaced by second choice goalkeeper Richard Ofori, who was making his first appearance since September in the Betway Premiership.

After a disappointing first, the hots did get back on level terms three minutes after the beak when Maqokolo did well to play in Hendrick Ekstein, who calmly lifted the ball into the far corner for his second goal of the competition.

It was one-way traffic after the equaliser as Usuthu threw bodies forward in search of the second goal, with Teboho Mashigo passing up a golden chance just after the hour mark when he blazed over the crossbar from six-yards out.

That proved to be the final clear-cut opening of the second half, with both sides letting themselves down with their decision-making in the final third, which ultimately sent the encounter to extra-time.

It was the Championship side who broke the deadlock in the second half of extra-time when Makua did well to play in substitute Decide Chauke, who turned well in the box before firing in off the upright to send his side to the semi-inals.

Here’s how they lined:

AmaZulu: Johnson, Radebe, Hanamub, Mthethwa, Fielies, Dube, Mhlongo, Hlangabeza, Mashigo, Maqokolo, Ekstein

Subs: Ofori, Gustavo, Ngcobo, Zungu, Slatsha, Mbanjwa, Sithole, Kutumela, Kambindu.

Casric Stars: Mthombeni, Mofokeng, Lekhatla, Mtshweni, Mlilo, Thikazi, Meveni, Skelem, Makua, Rakwena, Nana

Subs: Lako, Wendeu, Chabalalala, Marebane, Mogale, Zwane, Ntuli, Tchouplaou, Chauke, Kgosana

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