Stellenbosch FC have set another MTN8 final date against Orlando Pirates following their 1-1 draw with Sekhukhune United in the tournament’s second-leg semi-final clash at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday night.
Stellies progressed to the finals with a 3-1 aggregate score.
The Cape Winelands-based outfit came into this encounter with a 2-0 scoreline advantage after defeating Babina Noko at Danie Craven Stadium in the first leg last weekend.
The showdown got off to a slow start, with the two sides trying to gain momentum in the match.
As the half progressed, Steve Barker‘s boys were dominant and created a couple of chances, but the visitors were unable to find a breakthrough against the resilient Limpopo club.
In the 22nd minute of the contest, Stellies broke the deadlock through Mthetheleli Mthiyane, increasing their aggregate score to 3-0.
STELLENBOSCH FC LEADING SEKHUKHUNE UNITED AT HALF-TIME
The game went into the half-time break with Stellenbosch leading 1-0.
The second stanza was exciting, featuring a continuous flow of goal attempts, delivering an entertaining experience for the viewers at home and the fans from the stands.
The team under Eric Tinkler’s guidance regained their form and controlled ball possession, but struggled to penetrate a strong Stellies defence.
However, chances were limited for both teams as the game approached its conclusion. But in the 66th minute, Siphesihle Mkhize found the back of the net for Sekhukhune.
As a result, Stellenbosch has reached the MTN8 final with a 3-1 win on aggregate against Sekhukhune.
With Stellenbosch having advanced to the finals, the side will now face the defending champions, Pirates, who reached the finals four times in a row.
The Soweto giants progressed to the final after edging Mamelodi FC 4-2 on penalties in the second leg following a 2-2 aggregate scoreline.
Last season, the Buccaneers won the MTN8 title after defeating Stellenbosch 3-1 in the final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Now, we wait to see if history will repeat itself.
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