Stellenbosch win first major title
Stellenbosch FC defeated TS Galaxy 5-4 on penalties in Durban on Saturday afternoon to win their first major cup title.
Stellenbosch FC players celebrate with the trophy after beating TS Galaxy in the final of the Carling Knockout Cup at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
In the early stages, the Western Cape side failed to pose any threat to the Rockets.
Despite the pressure, Galaxy managed to take the lead just before half-time when Lehlohonolo Mojela’s shot inside the penalty area deflected slightly and hit the top corner.
In the second half, Stellies looked like they were going to equalize. Ismael Toure then took advantage of Galaxy’s inability to clear the line and brought his team back into the game.
Despite this, the match went into extra time after the normal 90 minutes and was eventually taken to a penalty shoot-out, with Stellies winning 5-4 in the penalty shoot-out.
Lehlohonolo Mojela’s influence continued to be important for TS Galaxy as his first-half goal gave the Rockets the lead.
Throughout the game, Mojela continually challenged Stellies, earning him an impressive 87.6 rating in the Top Players & Ratings section.
Stellenbosch Analysis
After a slow start to the match, Stellies finally improved in the second half, leveling the score and increasing the pressure on their opponents to take the match into extra time.
After taking the lead in the first half, TS Galaxy struggled to convert chances in the second period and were unable to maintain a strong defensive line, leading to Stellies equalizing.
Stellenbosch player celebrate after scoring the winning penalty.
Stellenbosch currently have two PSL matches in hand, against Sekhuhune United on Friday 22nd December and against Orlando Pirates in Soweto on Friday 29th December.
Meanwhile, Rockets will face Golden Arrows on Saturday 23rd December and Chippa United on Saturday 30th December.