Staff Reporter.
Stellenbosch FC came from two goals down to secure a stunning 3-2 comeback win over Orlando Pirates in their DStv Premiership clash at Orlando stadium.
The hard-fought win elevated Stellies to third spot on the league standings and the Carling Knockout champions will now take on coach Jose Riveiro’s All-Star team on 6 January in Polokwane.
Pirates, on the other hand, slipped down to the fifth spot on the league standings after recording their second successive loss and they will play host to Chippa United in a league clash on 14 February after the Afcon break.
The two teams attacked each other with speed from the first minute and the Buccaneers were awarded a penalty just after the half-hour mark after Thabo Moloisane was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.
Tapelo Xoki stepped up and made no mistake as he beat goalkeeper Sage Stephens to hand the hosts the lead.
Pirates were leading 1-0 at halftime courtesy of the Bafana Bafana defender’s second goal of the season.
A more entertaining second half followed as Pirates took a 2-0 lead in the 59th minute.
Evidence Makgopa netted with a cheeky backheel from close range after being set up by Fortune Makaringe.
However, Stellies responded by applying pressure on the hosts’ defence.
The visitors pulled one back in the 69th minute as Iqraam Rayners beat keeper Melusi Buthelezi to make it 2-1 after Makaringe had failed to clear the ball away.
The goal rattled the Pirates’ defence and the Soweto giants conceded again two minutes later.
This time Buthelezi produced a great save to deny Antonio van Wyk, but Devin Titus netted from the rebound to make it 2-2.
The visitors then pushed for the winning goal which they got with 13 minutes left on the clock.
Van Wyk played a delightful cross which was turned home by fellow substitute Andre de Jong who sealed Stellenbosch’s 3-2 win.