Casric is through to last 4 of NedbankCup after defeating AmaZulu 2-1
Casric is through to last 4 of NedbankCup after defeating AmaZulu 2-1, continuing a sensational giant-killing run in South African football. The Motsepe Foundation Championship side stunned top-flight opponents once again with a dramatic extra-time victory over AmaZulu FC in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday afternoon.
The remarkable result means Casric Stars have secured their place in the semifinals of South Africa’s prestigious domestic cup competition for the first time in their history. The Believers delivered a courageous performance to overcome their Premiership opponents 2-1 after extra time, adding another chapter to one of the most memorable cup runs in recent seasons.
The upset victory also follows Casric’s earlier shock triumph over Orlando Pirates in the previous round, further strengthening their reputation as the tournament’s ultimate giant-killers.
Casric Stars continue historic Nedbank Cup run
The Nedbank Cup quarterfinal clash was expected to favor the top-tier side, but Casric Stars arrived in Durban full of confidence. The Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit has been building momentum both in the league and in the cup, and their fearless approach paid off once again.
From the opening whistle, Casric showed they were not intimidated by their higher-ranked opponents. Instead, the visitors pressed aggressively and moved the ball with purpose, testing AmaZulu’s defensive structure.
The reward for their positive start arrived early in the first half.
Early breakthrough for Casric Stars
Casric Stars took the lead in the 12th minute through a beautifully crafted attacking move. Former Premiership players Leletu Skelem and Mfundo Thikazi combined brilliantly to unlock the AmaZulu defense.
Skelem delivered a perfectly weighted pass into the attacking third, allowing Thikazi to burst into space before calmly finishing past the goalkeeper. The goal silenced much of the home crowd and handed Casric a crucial 1-0 advantage.
The early strike energized the underdogs and forced AmaZulu FC to chase the game.
Despite Usuthu pushing forward in search of an equaliser before halftime, Casric’s disciplined defensive structure ensured they held onto their narrow lead. The Believers went into the interval with confidence and belief that another famous upset was within reach.
AmaZulu FC fight back in the second half
After the break, AmaZulu FC returned to the pitch with renewed urgency. Coach Arthur Zwane clearly demanded a stronger response during halftime, and the team looked more dangerous immediately.
Their persistence paid off just four minutes into the second half.
Athini Maqokolo produced a precise attacking pass that found midfielder Hendrick Ekstein inside the penalty area. Ekstein made no mistake, firing the ball into the back of the net to level the match at 1-1 in the 49th minute.
The goal marked Ekstein’s sixth strike of the season and his second in this year’s Nedbank Cup campaign.
The equaliser reignited the match and set the stage for an intense battle as both sides pushed for a decisive goal during regulation time.
Casric weather late pressure
With the score level, AmaZulu increased their attacking intensity, dominating possession and creating several opportunities. The Premiership side attempted to use their experience and squad depth to break down Casric’s defense.
However, the Believers remained organized and resilient.
Casric goalkeeper and defenders produced several crucial interventions to deny Usuthu a late winner. Despite waves of pressure from the hosts, the underdogs stood firm, forcing the match into extra time after the 90 minutes ended in a 1-1 draw.
The tension inside Moses Mabhida Stadium continued to rise as the game entered its final stages.
Super-sub seals South African football giant-killing victory
As extra time progressed, fatigue began to affect both teams. Yet Casric Stars continued to show remarkable determination, refusing to settle for penalties.
Their persistence was rewarded late in the match.
In the 115th minute, substitute Decide Chauke emerged as the hero for Casric Stars. Coming off the bench, Chauke found himself in the right place at the right time inside the AmaZulu penalty area.
With composure under pressure, he fired the ball past the goalkeeper to give Casric a dramatic 2-1 lead.
The late strike sparked celebrations among the Casric players and supporters, as it ultimately secured one of the biggest South African football giant-killing victories of the season.
AmaZulu attempted a desperate push for another equaliser in the final minutes, but Casric’s defense held firm to complete a historic triumph.
Casric Stars make club history
Casric is through to last 4 of NedbankCup after defeating AmaZulu 2-1, marking a milestone moment for the Mpumalanga-based club.
Reaching the semifinals of the prestigious cup competition represents the biggest achievement in the club’s history and highlights the growing strength of teams competing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
The Believers have now eliminated two major Premiership clubs during their cup run — first Orlando Pirates and now AmaZulu FC — proving they can compete with the best teams in South African football.
Their remarkable journey has captured the imagination of football fans across the country, with many celebrating the unpredictable nature of the Nedbank Cup.
Focus shifts back to league football
Despite the celebrations, Casric Stars will quickly return their focus to league action.
Coach Bucs Mthombeni’s promotion-chasing side is scheduled to face University of Pretoria FC in the Motsepe Foundation Championship on March 11. Maintaining strong league form will be essential as the team continues its push for promotion to the Betway Premiership.
Meanwhile, the defeat is a major disappointment for AmaZulu FC. The KwaZulu-Natal club had hoped to progress deeper into the tournament but will now shift their attention back to the league.
Usuthu are set to face Richards Bay FC in the Betway Premiership on March 14 as they attempt to recover from the cup exit.
Coach Arthur Zwane will likely demand a strong response from his players following the frustrating AmaZulu FC defeat.
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The magic of the Nedbank Cup
The latest upset once again highlights why the Nedbank Cup is regarded as one of the most exciting competitions in South African football.
The tournament regularly produces dramatic results where lower-division teams challenge and defeat top-tier opponents. Casric Stars’ thrilling run perfectly embodies this spirit.
For supporters of the Believers, the dream continues as their team prepares for a historic semifinal appearance.
And with confidence growing after another unforgettable Nedbank Cup quarterfinal triumph, Casric Stars may yet deliver more surprises before the tournament concludes.
References
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Casric Stars continue giant‑killing spree in Nedbank Cup – TimesLIVE.
Reports on Casric Stars’ dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over AmaZulu and their continued giant-killing run in the Nedbank Cup. -
Casric edge AmaZulu to claim another giant‑killing scalp – SuperSport.
Match report detailing how Casric Stars defeated AmaZulu 2-1 after extra time in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
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