Stellenbosch FC will play Sekhukhune United in the semi-final of the MTN8.
This after the local PSL side’s hard-fought 3-2 win over AmaZulu in the quarter-final at the DHL Stadium in Green Point on Sunday (3 August).
Steve Barker’s side endured an early setback en route to the semis after Usuthu opened the scoring in the 19th minute through Keegan Allan, whose scrambled effort had just enough on it to squeeze past Stellies’ goalkeeper and captain Sage Stephens (0-1).
However, the visitors’ lead lasted less than six minutes before midfielder Sanele Barns fired the hosts level, timing his run perfectly to tap home a sublime cross from Devin Titus (1-1). The sides went into the break level, and Barns nearly doubled his tally with a well-taken free-kick shortly after the restart, only to be denied by a sharp save from substitute AmaZulu goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela.
The Bafana Bafana midfielder wouldn’t be denied again, though, and made no mistake when the Maroons were awarded another free-kick soon after, curling a superb effort beyond Mzimela’s reach to fire his side ahead (2-1).
This time it was Stellies’ lead that was short-lived as AmaZulu hit back almost immediately through midfielder Tebogo Mashigo, who capitalised on defensive uncertainty to restore parity in the tie and force the match into extra time (2-2).
With the club winding down, and a penalty shootout looking inevitable, super-sub Langelihle Phili produced a moment of magic for Stellenbosch when he let loose an unstoppable effort from range to earn his side the 3-2 win.
Stellies will now host Sekhukhune United, who downed TS Galaxy 3-2 in their quarter-final clash on Friday 1 August, in the semi-final of this year’s tournament. The fixture date, venue and kick-off time will be confirmed in due course.
This coming Sunday (10 August), Stellies will start their Betway Premiership campaign with a match against Kaizer Chiefs at the DHL Stadium. Kick-off is at 17:30.
