Stellenbosch FC will face Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final after defeating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 on aggregate in the semi-finals.
MTN8
Result: Stellenbosch FC 1-0 Mamelodi Sundowns (2-0 agg.)
Date: 01 September 2024
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Sundowns made three changes from the semi-finals first-leg, as Themba Zwane was recalled while Arthur Sales Kutlwano Letlhaku were handed their first starts.
Masandawana had a nervy start in the opening exchanges, as Ibraheem Jabaar had a chance to tap home from close-range from a cross but he could not connect to perfection.
Manqoba Mngqithi's charges continued to struggle to advance beyond their half, as they were hurried on the ball by the Cape Winelands side.
Shortly before the half-hour mark, Steve Barker's charges created a much clearer chance after Andre de Jong guided a free header in the box just wide after a cross by Devin Titus.
Moments later, de Jong finally had a header that was goal-bound for Stellies but goalkeeper Jody February pulled off an acrobatic save under the crossbar, to keep the Tshwane giants in the game.
Masandawana eventually started to enter the last third frequently but when they got behind Stellenbosch defence, they were let down by the final pass and went to the break trailing 1-0 on aggregate.
Stellies threatened immediately from the interval on transitions, as four minutes later Titus had a one-on-one big chance but was denied by February.
However, just a moment later, Lehlohonolo Mojela broke the deadlock for Barker's men and made it 2-0 on aggregate with a close-range finish after a square pass by de Jong.
Mngqithi changed his tactics with personnel from the bench after the hour-mark, as Zwane and Letlhaku both made way for Lebohang Maboe and new signing Kobamelo Kodisang.
The visitors did not pose any more danger going forward and with 15 minutes to go Sundowns eventually brought on Peter Shalulile in place of Teboho Mokoena in a tactical and attacking change.
The Brazilians started to threaten after that as Kodisang came close with a header and Lucas Ribeiro Costa was denied a spectacular goal after shot-stopper Sage Stephens tipped his curler into the post.
Stephens was the hero again for the home side in added time after he saved Aubrey Modiba's dipping shot.
In the end Stellies held on and reached their first MTN8 final and will be up against holders Orlando Pirates.
Here's how they lined up:
Stellenbosch: Stephens, Moloisane, Basadien, Mcaba, Jabaar, Toure, Adams, Nduli, Titus, De Jong, Mojela
Subs: Langeveldt, Andrieas, Palace, Jurgens, Onyango, Phili, Cupido, Barns
Mamelodi Sundowns: February, Lebusa, Mokoena, Kekana, Mashego, Mudau, Zwane, Allende, Letlhaku, Riberio, Sales
Subs: Pieterse, Coetzee, Morena, Modiba, Aubaas, Maboe, Kodisang, Matthews, Shalulile
