Royal AM jumped to sixth spot on the DStv Premiership table coming from behind to defeat Stellenbosch 2-1 on Sunday afternoon.
DStv Premiership
Result: Royal AM 3-1 Stellenbosch
Date: 09 April 2023
Venue: Chatsworth Stadium
Lee Langeveldt came in between the sticks for Stellenbosch after first choice goalkeeper Sage Stephens was sent off against Chiefs last week, while there was also a recall for Basadien.
For the hosts, Happy Jele was given his official debut for the club, while Mxolisi Macuphu, Siphesihle Msomi and Mlungisi Sikakane were also recalled by coach John Maduka.
The Western Cape outfit got off to the first start when Junior Mendieta opened the scoring on 13 minutes with a sumptuous finish into the far corner after some neat passing in the build up.
Royal Am weren't behind for too long and levelled matters seven minutes later as veteran winger Elias Pelembe found the back of the net with his second league goal of the campaign.
Stellenbosch thought they had restored lead in the final 15 minutes through Iqraam Rayners' finish, but celebrations were cut short as the offside flag had been raised.
The home side completed the turnaround five minutes before the break as Tebogo Potsane embarked on superb solo run before sending a cross to the far post, where Mthokozi Dube was on hand to slot home.
Stellies coach Steve Barker responded with a change at the start of the second half, with Andre de Jong making way for Nhlanhla Mgaga as they looked to get back on level terms.
However, it was Royal AM who looked like getting another goal but Langeveldt produced a superb save just after the hour mark to keep the visiting side in the contest.
Royal AM shot-stopper Ngcobo was callled into action at the other end, as he produced a good save to keep out Mgaag'a strike as Stellenbosch upped the tempo with 15 minutes to go.
However, the hosts ended any hopes of a Stellenbosch comeback when Shaune Mogaila bagged the third goal in the 84th minute to seal three points on the day.
Here's how they line up:
Royal AM: 32. Ngcobo, 44. Dube, 4.Jele, 24. Lingwati, 17. Mogaila, 29. Sikhakhane, 12. Mahlasela, 2. Msomi, 11. Potsane, 7. Pelembe, 42. Macuphu
Subs:25. Mpoto, 13. Manganyi, 28. Mabuza, 33. Sera, 42. Ncobeni, 34. Thikazi, 26. Magaqa, 45. George, 77. Cele
Stellenbosch: 35. Langeveldt, 38. Makhanya, 21. Basadien, 7. Van Rooyen, 23. Adams, 10. Mendieta, 5. Sibiya, 6. Mthethwa, 18. De Jong, 34. Titus, 9. Rayners
Subs: 34. Bombay, 3. Sobiech, 12. Mgaga, 22. Sibande, 8. Nduli, 27. Jabaar, 15. Ortiz, 29. Van Wyk, 29. Mngomezulu
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