Stellenbosch FC reclaimed second spot on the DStv Premiership table after coming from behind to secure a 2-1 win over TS Galaxy on Sunday evening.
In-form Samir Nurkovic started on the Rockets’ bench along with Mpho Mvelase, with Mlungisi Mbunjana and Kamogelo Sebelebele in for them, whilst the Maroons were unchanged from the draw in midweek at Sekhukhune United.
Sebelebele aimed to justify his inclusion seven minutes in where he played in a ball for Marks Munyai to get a shot in, but he strayed wide.
The slight scare awoken the Maroons who seven minutes apart saw Iqraam Rayners go in behind from Fawaaz Basadien’s ball only to see him go well over target.
Stellies were denied again at the midway point when Anicet Oura got in space to collect a cutback from Basadien and fired off the post, with Fabrice Ntwari beaten.
The Rockets hit the front five minutes to halftime after Mojela managed to cut inside and showed the presence of mind to apply a composed finish on the turn.
Steve Barker made a change before the second stanza commenced and brought on Athenkosi Mcaba in place of Thabo Moloisane, with the Rockets unchanged.
The introduction proved key level nine minutes in when Basadien pushed to the area to get on the end of a well-worked move and finished with aplomb.
Stellies were ahead 61 minutes in as the Rockets battled to clear an in-swinging corner and left Andre De Jong to slot in, with the host in protest over the ball crossing the line.
Galaxy introduced Nurkovic seven minutes later in a quest to turnaround the contest and saw Sebelebele make the way for the Serbian.
However, the Maroons remained courageous though were on the edge as Sage Stephens was adjudged to have fouled Sphiwe Mahlangu and conceded a penalty, but it was overturned following consultation with the assistant referee who had raised his flag for offside.
The victory propelled the Maroons back to second spot and extend their unbeaten run to 23 matches in all competitions, as the Rockets’ five-match winning streak comes to an end.
Confirmed line-ups:
TS Galaxy: Ntwari, Munyai, M.Mahlangu, Sanoka, Kabini, Mbunjana, Dithejane, Sebelebele, Khiba, S.Mahlangu, Mojela
Subs: Kolak, Mongae, Seema, Mere, Mvelase, Nurkovic, Zwane, Rakwena, SemacheStellenbosch FC: Stephens, Toure, Basadien, Van Rooyen, Nduli, Adams, De Jong, Oura, Titus, Rayners
Subs: Masuluke, Mcaba, Sibande, Mgaga, Jurgens, Van Wyk, Palace, Boji, Colley
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