Four-goal Stellies power into Nedbank Cup semi-finals
Stellenbosch FC have advanced to the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup for the second season in a row after recording a resounding 4-0 victory over SuperSport United on Saturday afternoon.
Seeking a second consecutive Nedbank Cup semi-final berth, Stellenbosch FC took to the field at the Danie Craven Stadium with attacking intent and claimed an early lead through the boot of Anicet Oura.
The Ivorian forward saw his initial effort saved by opposing ‘keeper Ricardo Goss but reacted quickest after Iqraaam Rayners’ follow-up was cleared on the goalline, tapping home the loose ball to give Stellies the advantage.
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Rayners and Oura combined again with just under half an hour played when the former set up the latter on the edge of the box but his right-footed effort curled narrowly over the top of the crossbar.
Minutes later, another home attack saw Devin Titus come close to doubling Stellies advantage when he fired off a powerful shot on the turn, but Goss was on hand to deny him from close range.
At the other end, SuperSport United looked to hit back and found an outlet through Lyle Lakay who found himself with three chances in quick succession, including a dangerous free-kick that was well dealt with by Oscarine Masuluke.
It was Stellies who ended the half on the front foot though, as Goss was forced into a reflex save to keep out Andre de Jong’s powerful effort from range, before Fawaaz Basadien rattled the crossbar directly from the resultant corner kick.
The goal that has given us the lead ????pic.twitter.com/T41tELolDO
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) April 13, 2024
Stellies doubled and then tripled their advantage immediately after the restart as Titus and De Jong continued their impressive recent form with respective goals apiece.
Titus, who has now scored seven times in his last 11 matches, struck first with a composed right footed-finish before De Jong powerfully scored his side’s third after being played through on goal by Jayden Adams.
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It seemed only a matter of time before Stellies recorded a fourth goal and it ultimately came from Rayners who fired home against his former side from a tight angle shortly after the hour mark.
De Jong then came close to doubling his tally with an effort that deflected just wide but the writing was already on the wall, as Stellies saw out the remainder of the encounter to claim an impressive 4-0 win.
Tight angle? No problem for Iqraam Rayners ????????
Stellies are putting on a show ⚽
???? Stream #NedbankCup live: https://t.co/TesYUfo62x pic.twitter.com/k9Hzjg2ae9
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 13, 2024
Stellies will be back in action again on Wednesday, 17 April 2024, when the team travels to Polokwane to take on Sekhukhune United in a DStv Premiership encounter.