The Cape Winelands side, trailing from last week’s narrow loss in Zanzibar, threw everything forward in search of a breakthrough.

Early controversy struck when Simba had an 11th-minute penalty overturned by VAR, sparking hope for Stellies.

Steve Barker’s men dominated chances – Devin Titus terrorised the left flank, setting up Chumani Butsaka for a fierce strike, only for Moussa Camara to deny the hosts.

Fawaaz Basadien’s dangerous crosses and Khomotjo Lekoloane’s set-pieces kept Simba scrambling, but the Tanzanian goalkeeper stood firm.

Stellies thought they’d leveled late when Genino Palace tapped in Titus’ cross, but VAR ruled out the goal for offside – their second disallowed strike after an earlier penalty reversal.

Oscarine Masuluke’s heroic 73rd-minute save kept hopes alive, but Camara’s injury-time stop from Ismael Touré sealed the visitors’ progression.

--SABC--