The match had followers on the sting of their seats because it ended 1-1 after further time on Saturday afternoon. Stellenbosch went on to win the penalty shootout 5-4.

Stellenbosch, wanting to safe the title, made strategic adjustments to their line-up, bringing in goalkeeper Sage Stephens, together with Jayden Adams and Olivier Toure. On the other aspect, TS Galaxy launched Fiacre Ntwari and Kamogelo Sebelebele after a latest defeat to Orlando Pirates.

The preliminary exchanges noticed each groups cautiously sizing one another up, choosing long-range strikes. Nevertheless, it was Stellies who demonstrated willpower, with Iqraam Rayners’ one-on-one alternative saved by Ntwari within the 18th minute.

Regardless of Galaxy’s makes an attempt to soak up strain and search for counterattacks, Lehlohonolo Mojela broke the impasse simply earlier than half-time with a deflected shot that discovered the highest nook.

Coach Sead Ramovic made a tactical substitution at half-time, introducing Samir Nurkovic. Nurkovic practically doubled Galaxy’s lead with a curling shot that narrowly missed the crossbar.

Stellenbosch displayed spirit within the second half, with Olivier Toure levelling the rating at 1-1 on the 73rd minute with an excellent long-range left-footed shot.

The sport intensified within the dying minutes, with Sphiwe Mahlangu’s probability for Galaxy heroically denied by Stephens. A late penalty shout for the Rockets was waved off, and the groups went into further time.

As the sport hung within the stability, Stellenbosch launched recent legs, bringing on Kgaogelo Sekgota and Mervin Boji. Galaxy pressed for a winner, however Mojela’s deflected strike went broad.

Stellenbosch completed the sport with ten males after Fawaaz Basadien’s purple card for dissent, setting the stage for a dramatic penalty shoot-out. Stellies clinched victory with a 5-4 win, sealing their standing as Carling Knockout Cup champions.

This thrilling encounter additionally marked Galaxy’s ninth consecutive failure to beat Stellenbosch, solidifying the latter’s dominance of their head-to-head conferences.