Stellenbosch FC progressed to the MTN8 final after a 3-1 victory on aggregate against Sekhukhune United on Saturday night.
Sekhukhune United were unchanged from the win over Magesi, but Stellies restored Kazie Enyinnaya, Thato Khiba and Andre De Jong from the loss at Orlando Pirates in midweek.
Mthetheleli Mthiyane opened his account midway in the half when he picked up the ball from around 30 yards from goal and found the bottom corner with a low grass-cutter.
Babina Noko received a golden chance to halve the deficit off a header by Bradley Grobler, but he sent his effort straight into the palms of Sage Stephens.
Sekhukhune continued to battle within the final stages to the break, but the stubbornness of the Maroons prevented an entry to goal.
The fight remained for Eric Tinkler and his boys right at the start of the second period, but figuring out the visitors continued to be a struggle.
Stellies almost extended the lead five minutes in with a free header in the area by defender Henric Stanic, who sent his header wide of the of upright.
Tinkler turned to the bench for inspiration and double changes followed in Miguel Timm as well as Tshepo Mokoane – with Thabang Monare and Ellis Rammal sacrificed.
The changes boosted the cause as levelled matters on the night when an interchange of passes ended with Tsepo Matsimbi playing in a low cross for Siphesihle Mkhize to finish.
The goal didn’t spark any comeback though, as the Maroons maintained the lion share of control and advanced to the final, where they will face Pirates.
Photo by Philip Maeta/Gallo Images
Confirmed line-ups:
Sekhukhune United: Leaner, Mkhize, Letlapa, Matsimbi, Cardoso, Monare, Rammala, Thokolo, Makgalwa, Mncube, Grobler
Subs: Sapunga, Mogaila, Ndlovu, Mokoena, Langa, Malivha, Timm, Maarman, Ohizu
Stellenbosch FC: Stephens, Enyinnaya, Moloisane, Stanic, Mdaka, Mthiyane, Khiba, Jabaar, Titus, Nku, De Jong
Subs: Masuluke, Nkwali, Palace, Mokobodi, Butsaka, Lekoloane, Barns, Mojela, Khanyi