Marumo Gallants booked their place in the Carling Knockout semi-finals in
stunning fashion, delivering a 4-0 thrashing of Stellenbosch FC on
Wednesday night at the Dr Molemela Stadium.
The match began brightly for the visitors, with Stellenbosch creating the
early chances. Fresh from their CAF Confederation Cup success, Steve
Barker’s rotated side—featuring returning players like Devin Titus and
Ibraheem Jabaar—saw Langelihle Phili and Titus pass up promising
opportunities in the opening exchanges.
However, the momentum shifted decisively in the 28th minute when
Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo broke the deadlock, coolly slotting home his first
goal of the campaign for the Bloemfontein-based Gallants.
Stellenbosch pushed for an equalizer before halftime, with Andre de Jong
forcing a sharp save from goalkeeper Washington Arubi, but they were
unable to find a breakthrough.
Any hope of a comeback was effectively extinguished ten minutes after the
restart. Ndlondlo struck again, displaying composure to complete his brace
and double Gallants’ lead.
Barker responded with a triple substitution just after the hour mark, but
Stellenbosch’s efforts were in vain. The match was put beyond all doubt in
the 80th minute when a cruel deflection off Monde Mpambaniso sent Henri
Stanic’s attempted clearance looping over his own goalkeeper and into the
net.
Gallants added a final flourish to their dominant performance, as Edgar
Manaka rose to nod home from a corner, sealing a comprehensive 4-0 victory
and a spot in the final four.
Lineups:
Marumo Gallants: Arubi, Ncube, Sikhosana, Eroine, Chabatsane, Nhlapo,
Sithole, Bance, Ndlondlo, Mabuza, Otaldisa.
Subs: Mlambo, Adetu, Luthuli, Mabotja, Manaka, Motloung, Clifford,
Mhlongo, Mphabaniso.
Stellenbosch FC: Masuluke, Enyinnaya, Mcaba, Stanic, Mdaka, Mthiyane,
Jabaar, Butsaka, Phili, Titus, De Jong.
Subs: Ah Shene, Nkwali, Nku, Manafov, Khiba, Barns, Cupido, Lekoloane,
Mojela.
