Golden Arrows remain in the hunt for their first trophy since 2009 after edging Stellenbosch 1-0 in the Nedbank Cup round of 16 at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday, February 21.

Angelo van Rooi's first goal of the season settled the cup-tie in Umlazi as Manqoba Mngqithi's side disposed of their Betway Premiership rivals for the second round in succession.

Both teams faced top-flight opposition in the round of 32, with Arrows running out convincing 3-0 victors over Magesi while the Maroons knocked out defending champions Kaizer Chiefs (2-1).

Gavin Hunt's side applied early pressure, but Abafana Bes'thende threatened the goal first on seven minutes when Ayabulela Maxwele hit a tame shot at Sage Stephens after being played in by Mfanuvele Mafuleka.

Thakasani Mbanjwa was then called into action six minutes later as he raced off his line to deny Ashley Cupido, who had received the ball from Omega Mdaka inside the box.

Stephens did well to keep out a low long-range strike from Nqobeko Dlamini on 33 minutes and he was tested again by Maxwele moments later as the hosts enjoyed a good passage of play.

Devin Titus looked to catch out Mbanjwa at his near post from a tight angle on 37 minutes, but the goalkeeper was alert to the danger and ensured the score remained unchanged at the break.

Titus had another sniff at goal early in the second half, though he failed to his the target on this occasion after firing over the crossbar from inside the area.

Luthando Ndlovu should have given the hosts the lead on 64 minutes when he found himself one-on-one with Stephens, who managed to turn the ball away with one glove.

However, Arrows would break the deadlock just two minutes later as Van Rooi slotted home from close range after the defence failed to deal with Ndlovu's low cross.

Stellies then suffered a setback with the dismissal of Thabo Moloisane on 83 minutes for a second bookable offence to kill off their hopes of staging a late comeback.

Golden Arrows (0) 1 (Van Rooi 66')

Stellenbosch 0

Golden Arrows: T. Mbanjwa, K. Shezi, A. Jiyane, N. Mabaso, M. Mafuleka (O. Maluleke 82'), S. Madonsela (B. Theron 68'), N. Dlamini (S. Msomi 68'), A. Maxwele, A. Van Rooi (L. Nguse 82'), L. Ndlovu (N. Gasa 71'), J. Dion.

Stellenbosch: S. Stephens, A. Tiwani, T. Moloisane, H. Stanic, W. Jooste (C. Butsaka 76'), O. Mdaka, M. Mthiyane, I. Jabaar, D. Titus, L. Phili (K. Kodisang 76'), A. Cupido (M. Khanyi 72').