Sekhukhune United rallied back from two goals down to record a 3-2 victory over TS Galaxy and progressed to the MTN8 semi-finals on Saturday evening.
Miguel Timm and Bradley Grobler made their debuts for Babina Noko, while Galaxy gave former Sekhukhune man Seluleko Mahlambi a maiden appearance.
Babina Noko didn’t have a settled start and trailed in the opening-quarter when marauding full-back Mpho Mvelase sneaked in the box and headed in from a few yards out to put Galaxy ahead on 13 minutes.
Sekhukhune wasn’t unsettled going behind and looked to draw level with a number of overloads to the final third, but the Rockets cleared their lines.
The comeback pursuit became difficult as the Rockets extended the lead four minutes to the end of the first half through a first-time finish from the area by Victor Letsoalo.
Babina Noko got one back immediately when new boy Grobler sneaked in at the near post of the six-yard box and nodded past goalkeeper Ira Tape.
Coach Eric Tinkler unleashed a double substitution before the second half – bringing on Thabang Monare for Timm while Olerato Mnandi made way for Linda Mntambo.
Mvelase went close to bagging a third for Galaxy in the second period with a glancing header in the right inside the attacking-third, but he went well wide.
Babina Noko, though, remained confident despite trailing and struck the equaliser when a pin-point cross to the near post by Mntambo picked out Grobler who finished with aplomb to complete his brace.
The Rockets trailed for the first time in the match after Vusimuzi Mncube intercepted a stray pass from Qobolwakhe Sibande and bundled in from close-range.
As full-time loomed, the tempo of the match dropped seeing few clear-cut chances though Babina Noko proved superior and advanced to the semi-finals.
Confirmed line-ups:
Sekhukhune United: Leaner, Thokolo, Mohamme, Letlapa, Matsimbi, Timm, Mkhize, Mandi, Makgalwa, Mncube, Grobler.
Subs: Ratisini, Langa, Mntambo, Mokoena, Cardoso, Malivha, Monare, Mapuru, Sihali
TS Galaxy: Ira, Motaung, M.Mahlangu, Ndamane, Sibande, Mahlambi, Maduna, Mgaga, Mvelase, Dithejane, Letsoalo
Subs: Maseti, Letsoenyo, Mbunjana, Mncube, Walters, Sibanyoni