Stellenbosch FC advanced to their first-ever domestic cup final after seeing off Richards Bay FC 3-0 in the Carling Knockout semi-finals on Saturday afternoon.
Young goalkeeper Philasande Manqele and Justice Figareido were restored by the host, as Stellies dropped Oscarine Masuluke to put Sage Stephens back between the sticks.
Richards Bay targeted an early lead through a snap shot from a tight angle in the six-yard box from Figareido, but the Eswatini international failed to beat Stephens.
Manqele was soon put to work through in a cross-cum shot left of target by Fawaaz Basadien which put him in a spot of bother before eventually seeing the ball roll behind from his glove.
Stellenbosch continue on the ascendancy past the half-hour mark and got another chance when Devon Titus volleyed wide at the far post following a cross-field pass.
The Maroons were required to bring on a change due to an injury Ismael Toure picked up and had Athenkosi Mcaba come on to take his position.
Richards Bay hauled Figareido off the park at the start of the second half to bring on Yanela Mbuthuma, while no changes happened from the side of Stellies.
It was the men of Steve Barker that got in front after Rayners ran out wide to leap a high ball to the far post for Titus to get on the end of it and break the deadlock.
The Natal Rich Boys looked to claw their back but were pegged back again when Oura Anicet tapped in unmarked at the far post following Basadien’s cross midway in the second period.
Richards Bay slowly targeted a turnaround though went further down after Antonio Van Wyk whizzled his way into the area with a drop of the shoulder and picked out the bottom-corner.
In the end, the Maroons marched on to their first-ever domestic final and will meet the winner of AmaZulu and TS Galaxy.
Confirmed line-ups:
Richards Bay: Manqele, Dlamini, Hassan, Mthethwa, Mcineka, Komane, Barns, Mhlongo, Figareido, Mthembu, Gumede
Subs: Mabokgwane, Dube, Mabaso, Mabuya, Ndaba, Mbuthuma, Ntsundwana, Mohomi, Mohlamme
Stellenbosch: Stephens, Toure, Basadien, Van Rooyen, Nduli, Moloisane, Adams, Palace, Oura, Titus, Rayners
Subs: Masuluke, Mcaba, Sibande, Mgaga, Matsheke, Sekgota, De Jong, Van Wyk, Boji
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
