Stellenbosch to face Pirates in MTN8 final

Stellenbosch FC progressed to the MTN8 final after defeating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 on aggregate.

Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi made three alterations from the first-leg in Kutlwano Letlhaku, Arthur Sales and inspirational captain Themba Zwane, who was a second- half substitute on Wednesday.  

Masandawana were under the weather in the opening minutes and had their defence stretched with relative ease by the Maroons who eagerly searched the breakthrough.  

All of the forward momentum didn’t shy from the Maroons, as Masandawana struggled to contain the overlapping and third-man runs the host enjoyed with regularity.  

Sundowns needed to make a substitution over the midway mark of the half when Aubrey Modiba came on to replace the injured Terrence Mashego.  

The Brazilians still battled to find comfort as a powerful header from Andre De Jong following a free-kick by Fawaaz Basadien forced Jody February to a one-hand palm.  

Masandawana remained on the back-foot minutes and were behind five minutes in the second half when Lehlohonolo Mojela sneaked in the centre of the area to finish off De Jong’s cross.  

Stellies continued to enjoy control and nearly added a second through a diving header from Jayden Adams out at the far post, but the assistant referee swiftly signalled an offside.  

Sundowns did come close to levelling in the latter stages through a first-time shot by substitute Peter Shalulile, but Sage Stephens made a good stop.  

Former Cape Town Spurs striker Ashley Cupido came on to make his debut for the Maroons – replacing the goal-scorer Mojela. 

Masandawana were denied the leveller around the last five minutes when Lucas Ribeiro moved towards the edge of the area after cutting in and forced Stephens to push onto the inside-post. 

The upright prevented Sundowns once more a minute into added time as Modiba charged up from deep only to see his low penetrative strike come off the base of the woodwork.  

Sundowns battled immensely for a way in, but the Maroons proved difficult to overcome and marched to victory and the final to face Orlando Pirates.  

Stellenbosch: Stephens, Moloisane, Basadien, Mcaba, Jabaar, Toure, Adams, Nduli, Titus, De Jong, Mojela

Subs: Langeveldt, Andrieas, Palace, Jurgens, Onyango, Phili, Cupido, Barns