Stellies draw first blood in MTN8 semi-finals
Stellenbosch FC assumed a strong advantage in the MTN8 semi-finals after recording a 2-0 first-leg win over Sekhukhune United.
Stellies returned to Danie Craven Stadium for the first time this season when they hosted Sekhukhune United in the first-leg of their MTN8 last-four encounter on Saturday evening.
The team from the Winelands made a positive start to the encounter and were rewarded in the opening 25 minutes when defender Kazie Enyinnaya rose highest to head home a well-delivered corner from Lesiba Nku.
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Nku, who was introduced as an early substitute for the injured Ashley Cupido, was instrumental in Stellies’ second goal just 10 minutes later when he picked out Devin Titus with a wonderful trivela from the right wing.
For his part, Titus collected the ball with a deft first touch before keeping his composure to wrong-foot Miguel Cardoso and fire the ball past Renaldo Leaner in Sekhukhune’s goal.
The same combination almost brought about a third goal for Stellies in the second half when Titus picked out Nku, but the latter was unlucky to see his powerful drive rebound off the crossbar.
That was ultimately how the score remained as Stellenbosch rounded out the win to take a positive two-goal advantage into next weekend’s second leg clash in Polokwane.
“I thought this evening was a really good, solid, and professional performance,” coach Steve Barker said after the match.
“The conditions weren’t the easiest, but I thought we handled it well and had our moments where we could play, move the ball around, and ask questions of them defensively.
“We stuck to our game plan really well and created two really well-taken goals. Lesiba’s delivery for the corner for Kazie’s goal, and his pass for the second goal, were both of high quality.
“We got the two-nil lead and then it was a question of whether or not we could get a third, which would hopefully put us in a strong position, while alternatively making sure we didn’t concede an away goal.
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“In the second half, we were maybe unlucky with Nku hitting the crossbar, which would have made it 3-0, but we handled them well and didn’t allow them too many opportunities. We had good control.
“I’m really proud of a top performance from every single player that played and that came on and added value to the team.”