Chiefs made a big number of changes from their midweek capitulation. Itumeleng Khune made way for Virgil Vries, whilst Siphiwe Tshabalala and Bernard Parker were relegated to the bench.
Stars came with their tails up, buoyed by their last cup win over the Soweto giants that broke the camel’s back in then under-fire coach Steve Komphela’s reign.
Zimbabwean Khama Billiat aimed to break the deadlock with a free-kick, but his attempt was sent wide off target on 13 minutes.
Seven minutes after, Dumisani Zuma repaid the faith shown in him by firing in the opener after being played through by Joseph Molangoane.
Soon, the Amakhosi nearly got a second but Molangoane was unable to pounce after being set-up by Willard Katsande.
Just before halftime, another clear opportunity went by for the Amakhosi as Daniel Cardoso headed wide at the back-post.
Just before halftime, another clear opportunity went by for the Amakhosi as Daniel Cardoso headed wide at the back-post.
The Soweto giants doubled their lead shortly after the break when Leonardo Castro chipped over an on-rushing Badra Ali Sangare after a great pass from Siphelele Ntshangase.
Minutes later, Jospeh Molangoane was stretched off after a serious collision with an opponent. He was replaced by Bernard Parker.
Stars very first attack found Judas Moseamedi at the end of a cross, but attempts to head past Vries were unsuccessful as the keeper pulled off a stunning save.
Khama Billiat rounded off the victory in added time with a cool finish, granting the Amakhosi its first semi-final entry since 2015 whilst avenging last season’s Nedbank Cup semi-final defeat.