Stellenbosch secured a 2-1 win to stun reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns and book a place in the 2023 Nedbank Cup semi-finals at Athlone Stadium on Saturday evening.
In-form striker Iqraam Rayners scored a second half brace for Stellies while Sundowns’ goal came via Own Goal by Lee Langeveld.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS DOMINATE BUT FAIL TO CAPITALISE
Sundowns dominated proceedings from the beginning and were unfortunate not to find an early goal. An attempt by Teboho Mokoena from outside the box as early as the third minute went wide.
Mokoena also won a free-kick in the defensive half moments later, but Masandawan failed to capitalise.
Rayners came close for the hosts with a shot from just outside the box which was saved by Denis Onyango. Junior Mendieta thought he had an opportunity to score but was caught offside in the 14th minute.
Sundowns goal came in the 39th minute after Aubrey Modiba hit the bar and the ball bounced back to hit keeper Lee Langeveldt which resulted in an own goal.
RAYNERS FIRES STELLENBISCH TO NEDBANK CUP SEMI-FINALS
But Stellies came back a rejuvenated side in the second half and quickly found an equaliser through Rayners in the 48th minute.
The 27-year-old scored his second of the match and 11th of the season to secure a semi-final berth for the Western Cape side. This is also the first semifinal in Stellenbosch’s history.
They join Orlando Pirates who beat minnows Dondol Stars in a penalty shootout at Peter Mokaba Stadium earlier on.
Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena admitted that they did not deserve to win the match on the day.
“Today we didn’t deserve to win and that’s competitive sports. When someone is better than you, you put your hands up and wish them all the best,” he told SuperSport TV.
“We lost a lot of the duels from the first minute but okay. Congratulations to Stellenbosch as I said and we wish them all the best.”
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