CAPE TOWN – Stellenbosch FC booked their place in the MTN8 semi-finals thanks to a brilliant brace from midfielder Sanele Barns and a late clincher by substitute Langelihle Phili.
Stellenbosch left it late, edging AmaZulu 3-2 in extra time after the thrilling quarter-final ended 2-2 in regulation time at DHL Stadium on Saturday.
Usuthu defender Keegan Allan opened the scoring in the 18th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse with a scrappy finish to give the visitors an early advantage.
However, it was Barns who reignited Stellenbosch’s hopes in front of their home supporters, scoring a brace with goals in the 25th and 69th minutes to bring the Cape Winelands side back into contention.
But the celebration was short lived, as Usuthu midfielder Tebogo Mashigo equalised in the 73rd minute, sending the match into extra time after the teams were deadlocked at the final whistle.
A well timed tactical move by coach Steve Barker saw 20-year-old Phili introduced in the 104th minute, replacing Devin Titus to inject fresh energy into the attack.
Just four minutes after coming on, Phili unleashed a powerful long-range strike from outside the Usuthu box, sealing the win and propelling Barker’s charges into the next stage of the MTN8 campaign.
Stellenbosch will have to wait to learn their semi-final opponents, with the MTN8 semi-final draw set to take place this Sunday evening, immediately following the quarter-final showdown between Mamelodi Sundowns and Richards Bay FC at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Images: @StellenboschFC/Twitter.
