Stellenbosch FC advanced to the Carling Knockout final after defeating Richards Bay 3-0 in the semi-final on Saturday afternoon.
Carling Knockout
Result: Richards Bay 0-3 Stellenbosch
Date: 02 December 2023
Venue: King Zwelithini Stadium
Natal Rich Boys coach Kaitano Tembo handed a recall to Justice Johnpaul Figuareido in the attack while young goalkeeper Philasande Manqele has returned to the side after completing his matric exams.
The game was played at a lively pace in the early stages of the first half, but both sides struggled to carve out clear-cut openings as Stellies' man of the moment Iqraam Rayners was kept quiet.
That proved to be the trend for most of the first half as both sides lacked quality i the final third, which was a surprise from Stellies who have five of their last six matches.
Stellies coach Steve Barker was forced to make a change before the halftime break, with the defender Ismael Toure forced off with an injury and replaced by Athenkosi Mcaba.
The opening goal eventually arrived five minutes after the break when Rayners latched onto a long ball over the top before sending a ball into the box, where Devon Titus was on hand to bundle home.
The away side doubled their lead in the 69th minute when some poor defending on a corner allowed Ivorian forward Anicet Alain Oura to slip in at the back post and slot home.
Stellenbosch ended any hopes of a Richards Bay comeback when Antonio van Wyk bagged the third goal with four minutes left on the clock, but cutting inside and firing into the far corner and sealed the club's first-ever cup final spot.
Here's how they lined up:
Richards Bay: Manqele, Dlamini, Hassan, Mthethwa, Mcineka, Komane, Barns, Mhlongo, Figareido, Mthembu, Gumede
Subs: Mabokgwane, Dube, Mabaso, Mabuya, Ndaba, Mbuthuma, Ntsundwana, Mohomi, Mohlamme
Stellenbosch: Stephens, Toure, Basadien, Van Rooyen, Nduli, Moloisane, Adams, Palace, Oura, Titus, Rayners
Subs: Masuluke, Mcaba, Sibande, Mgaga, Matsheke, Sekgota, De Jong, Van Wyk, Boji
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