Stellenbosch booked their spot in the semi-finals of the MTN8 for the first time in their history after edging SuperSport United 1-0 in extra-time on Sunday evening.
MTN8
Result: SuperSport United v Stellenbosch FC
Date: 13 August 2023
Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium
SuperSport made two changes from their goalless draw against AmaZulu, as goalkeeper Washington Arubi was handed his debut alongside Thalente Mbatha.
Stellies, similarly, made two alterations after their narrow defeat against Polokwane City, as former Kaizer Chiefs winger Kgaogelo Sekgota got his first start along the return of Genino Palace.
The game was open in the early stages as Dean van Rooyen thought he had opened the scoring for the visitors after scoring from Iqraam Rayners' through ball but the goal was disallowed for offside.
In the midst of end to end attacks, Devon Titus had a good chance to break the deadlock for Stellies just after the half-hour mark with a header that was saved by Arubi from a cross by Sekgota.
The pace of the game slowed down somewhat towards the end of the first stanza, with the sides looking to score from long balls and crosses but they were not accurate, as the first stanza ended goalless.
United started the second stanza brightly as Ronald Pfumabidzai had a chance eight minutes in with a thunderbolt that was parried away by shot-stopper Sage Stephens.
SuperSport continued on an all-out attack and Gavin Hunt made his attacking intentions clear on 65 minutes as he brought on Etiosa Ighodaro in place of Gamphani Lungu while Stellies also refreshed their attack, with the introduction of Anicet Oura, who replaced Sekgota.
Steve Barker's charges dropped deep in the closing stages, as United looked for a way through and in a cagey closing period, neither side had clear chances and the game went to extra-time after there was no goals in regulation time.
The Cape Winelands outfit had a perfect start in extra-time after Andre de Jong eventually broke the deadlock nine minutes in with a header in the box from a cross by Fawaaz Basadien.
SuperSport were in need of fresh inspiration in the second period of extra-time as young attacker Keenan Bezuidenhout replaced the tired legs of Terrence Dzvukamanja.
United had the momentum in the dying minutes but Stellies defended well and held their own in possession of the ball, as they booked their spot in the semi-finals for the first time in their history.
Here's how they lined up:
SuperSport United: Arubi, Johannes, Okon, Margeman, Hlatshwayo, Pfumbidzai, Ndlovu, Dzvukamanja, Campbell, Lungu, Mbatha
Subs: Goss, Donn, Ighodaro, Nange, Rasebotja, Xulu, Matsio, Bezuidenhout, Albert
Stellenbosch: Stephens, Toure, Basadien, Van Rooyen, Mthethwa, Moloisane, Adams, Palace, Sekgota, Rayners, Titus
Subs: Masuluke, Mphahlele, Sibande, Jurgens, Mgaga, De Jong, Van Wyk, Oura, Boji
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