Stellenbosch book their spot in inaugural Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals

Despite having home advantage in the tie, the Maroons proved no match for visiting Stellenbosch on the night as first-half goals from Iqraam Rayners and Devon Titus saw the visitors comfortably over the line.

The writing was on the wall as early as the seventh minute when Rayners only had to tap in after finding himself unmarked in front of goal following an assist played across the face of goal.

The in-form forward would end up walking away with man-of-the-match honours, bagging R100 000 for his troubles.

Things went from bad to worse for Polokwane shortly after when Titus doubled Stellenbosch's lead. It was a mistake from Koketso Baloyi, barely on the field following an injury to Bulelani Nikani, that led to the goal, the substitute misjudging a high ball and leaving another Polokwane player unmarked in the box, Titus this time, who stroked the ball home to make it 2-0.

A beautiful through ball from Rayners nearly saw Polokwane pick up a third early in the second half, but Kgaogelo Sekgota's shot was well saved.

Oswin Apollis came close to pulling one back for the hosts at the other end, but Stellies keeper Sage Stephens was able to tip his bending shot away for a corner, as the visitors managed to see out the match without further incident.

Polokwane become the first team to advance to the Carling Knockout semi-finals, with the remaining three quarter-finals set for Saturday, as Richards Bay host Orlando Pirates, AmaZulu welcome Golden Arrows, and Sekhukhune United are up against TX Galaxy.

The inaugural champions will take home over R6 million in prize money.

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