Stellenbosch FC booked their spot in the MTN8 semi-finals with a come-from-behind 3-1 victory over TS Galaxy on Sunday afternoon.
MTN8
Result: Stellenbosch FC 3-1 TS Galaxy
Date: 04 August 2024
Venue: Danie Craven Stadium
Stellies started with their new signings on the bench, Lehlohonolo Mojela from Galaxy, Omega Mdaka and Sanele Barns, while the Rockets had Wensten van der Linde in goal, in a squad limited by a transfer ban.
The Cape Winelands outfit were quick off the blocks as just after 14 minutes Andre de Jong tested Van Der Linde, who came out tops, with a close-range shot.
Sead Ramovic's charges reacted almost immediately thereafter, as Kamogelo Sebelebele gave them the lead with a well taken shot from the edge of the box.
Stellies kept the same intensity in their attacks, as Jayden Adams levelled matters on 25 minutes with a flicked effort in the box after a cross by Devin Titus.
Steve Barker's men had their tails up going forward and just before the break, De Jong gave them the lead with a glancing header that found the far post after a corner by Fawaaz Basadien.
There was a little drama in the Stellies camp as goalkeeper Sage Stephens and defender Toure were seen in heated conversation while heading to the tunnel.
Galaxy were spirited from the break but as they were forced to attack with numbers, they were caught on a counter-attack just before the hour-mark, as Basadien made it 3-1 for the hosts with a diagonal a strike from an overlap in the box.
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Barker looked to consolidate the game after that with a change to crowd the midfield as Barns eventually replaced De Jong.
The hosts were also looking to threaten on counter-attacks in the last 20 minutes as Mojela also got his debut in place of Iqraam Rayners.
The Rockets had a fight in them in the closing stages as Sphiwe Mahlangu had a shot blocked in the box, with goalkeeper Sage Stephens seemingly beaten.
However, the writing was on the wall in the dying minutes after Galaxy were down to ten men after the red-card of Macbeth Mahlangu for an elbow challenge.
It could have been more embarrassing for the Rockets after Mojela went clear on goal for Stellies in added time but he was denied by Van der Linde in a one-on-one.
Here's how they lined up:
Stellenbosch: Stephens, Toure, Basadien, Mcaba, Jurgens, Titus, Adams, Nduli, De Jong, Rayners, Van Wyk
Subs: Masuluke, Mdaka, De Kock, Van Rooyen, Palace, Jabaar, Barns, Mojela, Oura
TS Galaxy: Van der Linde, Munyai, Mahlangu, Seema, Kabini, Khiba, Sebelebele, Mvelase, Dithejane, Radebe, S. Mhlangu
Subs: Maseti, Mbunjana, Letsoenyo, Sibanyoni, Motaung
