Stellenbosch FC outsmart Eric Tinkler's Sekhukhune United to set another MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates

Stellenbosch FC progressed to the MTN8 final courtesy of a 3-1 semi-final aggregate win over Sekhukhune United.

Stellenbosch and Sekhukhune fought to a 1-1 draw at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, but a 2-0 win in the first-leg encounter is what helped the former reach the final.

This means that Stellenbosch and Orlando Pirates, who defeated Mamelodi Sundowns in the other semi-final, will meet again in the final.

Meanwhile, Stellies took the lead in the 23rd minute when Mthetheleli Mthiyane scored to complicate matters for Babina Noko, who were already trailing from the first leg. 

Sekhukhune lost possession in their own area; Mthinyane picked up the ball and made some steps forward before he unleashed a powerful low shot that Renaldo Leaner had little chance of stopping.

Babina Noko had a chance in the 40th minute, but Bradley Grobler could not score even though he was at close range; the experienced forward sent his effort wide, wasting a good chance to equalise.

Siphesihle Mkhize equalised for Sekhukhune in the 66th minute when he slotted the ball into the back of the net in a crowded box. Tsepo Matsimbi did well to cut in a pass from the right wing, and Mkhize was at the right place to just direct the ball into Stellies' goal.

This is a memorable day for Mthinyane, who scored his first goal for the club, which was also a crucial away goal.   

He was named MTN8 Man of the Match.

Grobler, who scored against TS Galaxy in the league and in the MTN8 quarter-final encounter, was not clinical against Stellenbosch.

He wasted a number of chances that, if they had been converted, would have possibly turned the tide in favour of his side.   

After their campaign in the MTN8 ended, Sekhukhune will now focus on the league, where they have been scheduled to face AmaZulu on August 27.

For the Maroons, their focus is split between the MTN8 and the league duties; on August 26, they will tackle Marumo Gallants on August 26 in the PSL.   

The MTN8 final will be played on September 13.