Stellenbosch FC sealed a spot in the MTN8 semi-finals following a 3-2 win in extra-time over AmaZulu on Sunday evening.
The Maroons named Lehlohonolo Mojela on the bench, but still presented a stern attack in Andre De Jong, Devon Titus and Ashley Cupido, while Usuthu gave Keegan Allan and Ryan Moon their debuts.
Allan enjoyed a dream start to his debut in the 18th minute after popping up in the heart of the area to poke in a pass from Sandile Mthethwa.
Last season’s runners-up rallied back and pulled level six minutes later through a telling finish into the top-corner by Sanele Barns after some good work by Titus and De Jong.
Usuthu had to make a substitution a minute to the half-hour mark when goalkeeper Richard Ofori was forced off with an injury, with Olwethu Mzimela brought on as the replacement.
Both teams got decent chances to go to the halftime break in the lead, but neither capitalised, leaving the first stanza on an equal footing.
After a lively start to the second half, Barns came into his own around the closing stages and completed his brace through a telling free-kick into the near post to put Stellenbosch ahead.
Usuthu didn’t lose hope though and clawed level inside the last ten minutes after a looping shot from a tight angle by Tebogo Mashigo flew over goalkeeper Sage Stephens.
Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Ben Motshwari got a golden chance to put Usuthu back ahead from a shot in the area, but he sent his effort over the crossbar, sending the match to extra-time.
As the first stanza of extra-time ended goalless, Stellies came in their own thereafter when substitute Langelihle Phili cut inside and found the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
Usuthu desperately went searching for the equaliser to take the game to penalties, but the Maroons held out and secured a semi-final spot.
Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
Confirmed line-ups:
Stellenbosch FC: Stephens, Enyinnaya, Mdaka, Moloisane, Mcaba, Khiba, Barns, Palace, Cupido, Titus, De Jong.
Subs: Langeveldt, Sishi, Nkwali, Andrieas, Butsaka, Phili, Nku, Lekoloane, Mojela.
AmaZulu: Ofori, Radebe, Hanamub, Fielies, Mthethwa, Allan, Hlangabeza, Zungu, Moon, Mashigo, Ekstein
Subs: Mzimela, Mzobe, Dube, Ngcobo, Motshwari, Mbanjwa, Sithole, Thabede, Mhlongo.