Kaizer Chiefs product seamlessly fills Fawaaz Basadien's shoes as Stellenbosch silence Sekhukhune United in first leg of the semi-final to sustain MTN8 title hopes with ex-Mamelodi Sundowns star grabbing two assists

Stellenbosch are closer to the MTN8 final following a 2-0 win over Sekhukhune United on Saturday at the Danie Craven Stadium.

Stellies dominated the early proceedings against Babina Noko, who had a fairly strong squad made up of experienced heads.

Steve Barker's men took a lead in the 23rd minute when Enyinnaya Godswill headed home Lesiba Nku's corner ball.

The advantage was doubled in style in the 33rd minute by Titus Devin, who cleverly beat former Kaizer Chiefs defender Daniel Cardoso, after another Nku assist, before comfortably finding the back of the net. 

Nku could have added his name on the score sheet 10 minutes after the restart, but he couldn't convert a pass from Titus as his effort came off the crossbar.

Eventually, Stellenbosch claimed a 2-0 win to claim a huge advantage ahead of the second leg.

Coach Steve Barker should also be happy with the way Kaizer Chiefs product Omega Mdaka played at left-back after the exit of Fawaaz Basadien to Mamelodi Sundowns.

Lesiba Nku started the game on the bench but got his chance when Ashley Cupido was injured in the seventh minute. 

The 29-year-old former Mamelodi Sundowns winger responded by creating two assists before seeing his effort being stopped by the woodwork.

Great performance by the attacker. 

Babina Noko have had big results recently across all competitions, with the massive one coming against Orlando Pirates in the Premier Soccer League. 

However, they just couldn't match Stellenbosch on Saturday, and struggled to clear scoring opportunities. 

Coach Eric Tinkler must be scratching his head on where he might have gone wrong in his team selection and tactics. 

Having won the first leg comfortably, Stellies can fancy their chances of making the final, where they will play either Mamelodi Sundowns or defending champions Orlando Pirates.  

Before that, Sekhukhune have a Premier Soccer League assignment on Tuesday against newcomers Orbit College FC as Steve Barker's men tackle Orlando Pirates a day later.