By Michael Madyira
Stellenbosch turned the tables to claim a 3-1 victory over 10-man TS Galaxy at Danie Craven Stadium to advance to the MTN8 semi-finals on Sunday.
After falling to a Kamogelo Sebelebele 18th-minute goal for the Rockets, the Maroons launched a comeback through Jayden Adams’s goal on 25 minutes.
They then took the lead four minutes before the halftime break through Andre de Jong before Fawaaz Basadien struck 12 minutes into the second half.
It was a match the visitors ended with a man down following a red card to defender Macbeth Mahlangu with two minutes remaining.
Sunday’s result saw Stellenbosch registering a third successive semi-final berth in knockout competitions, and they now join Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 last four.
They also remain on course for a second trophy in the top-flight league after claiming their maiden piece of silverware by clinching the Carling Knockout last season.
For TS Galaxy, who were making their debut in the MTN8, the Fifa player transfer ban seemed to catch up with them on an afternoon they also missed injured forward Samir Nurkovic.
But Stellies had the luxury of handing playing minutes to their new signings like Lehlohonolo Mojela and Salene Barns.
At 14 minutes, De Jong drew a good save from TS Galaxy goalkeeper Wensten van der Linde as the Cape Winelands side threatened to take the lead.
But their promising start was deflated when Sebelebele weaved past their defenders to fire past Sage Stephens and separate the two sides.
However, the hosts did not take much time to respond when Adams connected a cross from Devin Titus.
Stellenbosch then took the lead when De Jong headed in a corner kick from Basadien.
Sihle Nduli almost extended the lead for the Cape Winelands side but had his stinger brilliantly tipped over the bar by Van der Linde.
It was now Basadien’s turn to score, not long after the restart when his grounder from an acute angle gave Stephens no chance.
Life became difficult for the visitors who had Mahlangu red-carded after a second bookable offence.
Stellenbosch new signing Mojela had an opportunity to hurt his former paymasters but was denied by Van der Linde in a one-on-one situation deep into stoppage time.
Pictured above: Stellenbosch FC midfielder Jayden Adams celebrates his goal against TS Galaxy together with Antonio van Wyk.
Source: Stellenbosch FC
