Late Winner Seals 2-1 Victory for Stellenbosch Over Kaizer Chiefs
Johannesburg, in a nail-biting Betway Premiership clash at the packed FNB Stadium on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, Stellenbosch FC staged a gritty comeback to defeat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1, with a late strike from Devin Titus sealing the deal after the home side had taken an early lead. This result not only boosted Stellenbosch’s push for a top-table finish but also piled more pressure on Chiefs, who missed a chance to climb the standings ahead of their upcoming Soweto derby, leaving fans on both sides buzzing with emotion and debate over missed opportunities and heroic efforts.
Match Overview
The game kicked off at 19:30 under the floodlights of the iconic FNB Stadium, a venue with a capacity of over 94,000 that draws passionate crowds for Amakhosi’s home fixtures. Kaizer Chiefs, under coach Nasreddine Nabi, were looking to bounce back from recent inconsistencies, while Stellenbosch FC, led by Gavin Hunt, aimed to build on their solid form in the league. Both teams fielded strong lineups, with Chiefs relying on stars like Mduduzi Shabalala in midfield and Flavio da Silva up front, while Stellies trusted their defensive resilience and quick counters.
The encounter was a tale of two halves: Chiefs dominated the first with clever play and a well-taken goal, but Stellenbosch’s determination shone in the second, turning the tide with equaliser and winner that showcased their never-say-die spirit. Stats from the match tell the story—Chiefs held 58% possession and fired off 12 shots (5 on target), compared to Stellenbosch’s 42% ball control and 8 shots (4 on target). Expected goals favoured Chiefs at 1.2 to Stellies’ 0.8, but football’s unpredictability prevailed, with the visitors capitalising on defensive lapses to snatch the three points.
First Half Action
The opening 45 minutes belonged to Kaizer Chiefs, who started brightly and controlled the tempo with sharp passing and high pressing. Stellenbosch looked compact but struggled to create clear chances, often resorting to long balls that Chiefs’ backline handled comfortably. The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Flavio da Silva latched onto a pinpoint assist from Glody Lilepo, slotting the ball past Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens with a cool finish into the bottom corner. This goal, Silva’s fourth of the season, sent the home fans into raptures and gave Chiefs a deserved 1-0 lead at the break.
Despite the advantage, Chiefs missed chances to extend it, with Shabalala hitting the post from a free-kick and Reeve Frosler forcing a save from Stephens. Stellenbosch, for their part, showed glimpses of threat on the counter, with Devin Titus testing Chiefs’ keeper Bruce Bvuma early on. The half ended with yellow cards for Stellenbosch’s Hanro Stanic in the 54th minute—wait, actually in first half buildup—and a sense that the visitors were still in the game if they could tighten up defensively.
Second Half Drama
After the restart, Stellenbosch came out with renewed energy, pressing higher and disrupting Chiefs’ rhythm. The equaliser arrived in the 51st minute when Langelihle Phili rose highest to head home a well-delivered cross from Devin Titus, making it 1-1 and shifting the momentum. This goal, Phili’s third this campaign, exposed vulnerabilities in Chiefs’ aerial defence and ignited the away supporters in the stands.
Chiefs tried to respond, introducing substitutes like Wandile Duba to add pace, but Stellenbosch grew stronger, dominating midfield battles with players like Sihle Nduli pulling strings. Tensions rose with a yellow card for Stanic in the 54th minute for a late tackle, but the visitors held firm. As the clock ticked towards full time, it seemed a draw was on the cards—until the 86th minute, when Titus turned hero with a stunning first-time finish into the top corner from outside the box, beating Bvuma and securing a 2-1 lead that Stellenbosch defended stoutly through added time.
The Decisive Goals
The match’s turning points came through individual brilliance and teamwork. Chiefs’ opener in the 36th minute saw Flavio da Silva finish off a flowing move, assisted by Glody Lilepo’s clever through ball that split the Stellies defence. Stellenbosch’s comeback started with Langelihle Phili’s header in the 51st minute, rising above markers to nod in Devin Titus’ precise delivery from a set-piece. The winner, a moment of magic from Titus in the 86th minute, was a low-driven shot from 20 yards that curled into the net, leaving the Chiefs keeper rooted and the stadium in stunned silence.
These goals not only decided the game but highlighted Stellenbosch’s resilience, coming from behind to claim their second league win under coach Gavin Hunt against Chiefs this season. For fans, Titus’ strike will be replayed for weeks, a reminder of how late drama can swing fortunes in the Betway Premiership.
Player Performances
Standouts lit up the pitch on both sides. For Stellenbosch, Devin Titus was the star, with an assist and the winning goal earning him man-of-the-match honours—his second strike against Chiefs this season. Langelihle Phili’s timely header showed his aerial prowess, while goalkeeper Sage Stephens made key saves to keep his team in it. On the Chiefs side, Flavio da Silva impressed with his goal and movement, supported by Mduduzi Shabalala’s creative midfield play. However, defensive lapses from the backline, including Inacio Miguel, cost them dearly.
Substitutes like Chiefs’ Wandile Duba added energy but could not turn the tide, while Stellenbosch’s bench helped maintain their shape under pressure. Overall, it was a game where individual moments outweighed team dominance, with Stellenbosch’s grit proving decisive.
Coach’s Reaction
Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi expressed disappointment post-match, noting his team’s wastefulness in front of goal. “We created enough chances to win but didn’t take them—football punishes you for that,” he said, adding that focus now shifts to the upcoming derby against Orlando Pirates. Stellenbosch’s Gavin Hunt praised his side’s character: “Coming back at a tough venue like FNB shows our growth. Titus’ goal was class, but it’s the team effort that got us here.” Both coaches highlighted the league’s competitiveness, where fine margins decide results.
Implications for the League
This defeat leaves Kaizer Chiefs stuck in mid-table, missing a chance to close on the top spots and adding pressure ahead of their Soweto clash. With just one win in their last five, questions swirl about consistency. For Stellenbosch, the victory catapults them up the standings, strengthening their bid for continental spots and proving they can mix it with the big boys. In the broader Betway Premiership race, it tightens the pack, with teams like Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns watching closely as every point counts in the title chase.
Looking Ahead
Kaizer Chiefs now turn to their derby against Orlando Pirates, hoping to regain form and please their massive fanbase. Stellenbosch face a home test against Cape Town City, aiming to build on this momentum. As the season heats up, matches like this remind fans why the Betway Premiership is full of twists—passion, skill, and unforgettable late winners that keep the beautiful game alive in South Africa.
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