Stellenbosch FC became the first side to advance to the Carling Knockout semi-finals with a 2-0 win over Polokwane City on Friday evening.
Ivorian Ismail Toure was unavailable for the visitors due to suspension, as Athenkosi Mcaba was recalled to the defence while Rise and Shine welcomed back Rodney Maphangule after he missed the 1-1 draw against Orlando Pirates.
It didn’t take the Maroons long to make the breakthrough when an unmarked Iqraam Rayners fed off a pass across the face of the area and comfortably tapped in with a first-time finish.
The troubles remained with the host minutes gone after Bulelani Nikani pulled up in the middle of the park and was duly stretchered off, as Koketso Baloyi was introduced.
Baloyi didn’t cover himself in glory though soon from entering where he misjudged a high ball and left Devon Titus to sneak in unchallenged in the area to make it 2-0 with a composed finish.
Polokwane looked for a lifeline a little later through long-range shots from amongst others Oswin Appollis, but there were no breakthrough in sight.
The Maroons were denied a third goal early in the second half when Rayners played Kgaogelo Sekgota in on goal with a perfect through pass, but goalkeeper Manuel Sapunga repelled.
At the other end, Stellies goalkeeper Sage Stephens came up trumps when he tipped Appollis’ curling shot behind for a corner-kick as the match began to see chances on both sides.
Former Kaizer Chiefs player Darrel Matsheke replaced Genino Palace inside the final ten minutes, as the Maroons looked to run down the remaining quarter of the match.
The home team continued to have the chances in the latter periods, but Stephens kept calm and saw Stellenbosch into the semi-finals.
Confirmed line-ups:
Polokwane City: Sapunga, Matuludi, Nikani, Nkaki, Ndlovu, Maphangule, Ramabu, Mabena, Appollis, Mashikinya, Chauke
Subs: Mtataza, Nkwe, Baloyi, Marema, Raphadu, Goovadia, Fikizolo, Kambala, Thuto
Stellenbosch: Stephens, Mcaba, Basadien, Van Rooyen, Nduli, Moloisane, Adams, Sekgota, Paalce, Titus, Rayners
Subs: Langeveldt, Amponsah, Jurgens, Mgaga, Matsheke, De Kock, Colley, Van Wyk, Boji
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