Nku stars in Stellies' win over Babina Noko 

Lesiba Nku © Gallo Images

Stellenbosch have the advantage in their MTN8 semifinal tie against Sekhukhune United after running out 2-0 victors in the first leg at the Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday, August 16.

First-half goals from Kazie Enyinnaya and Devin Titus put Steve Barker's side in the driver's seat going into the second leg on August 23 in Polokwane.

The Maroons needed extra time to beat AmaZulu 3-2 in the quarterfinals, while Babina Noko battled back from two goals down to overcome TS Galaxy by the same scoreline as they advanced to the last four for the first time.

Both teams created numerous chances in the first half and Sage Stephens was the busier of the two goalkeepers after being called into action twice to deny the visitors.

But it was Stellies who broke the deadlock on 23 minutes when Enyinnaya glanced a header into left into the left corner of the net from an inswinging corner to register his first goal for the club.

Their evening got even better after Titus latched onto an exquisite pass from Lesiba Nku and tucked his shot beyond Renaldo Leaner to double the hosts' advantage.

Nku was having an outstanding game off the bench after replacing the injured Ashley Cupido on seven minutes and the substitute almost added a goal to his two assists when he struck the crossbar in the 55th minute.

Despite that close call, the second half was a cagier affair and neither Stephens nor Leaner was required to make a save as the game finished in the Cape Winelands outfit's favour.

Stellenbosch (2) 2 (Enyinnaya 23', Titus 33')

Sekhukhune United (0) 0

Stellenbosch: S. Stephens, K. Enyinnaya, T. Moloisane, H. Stanic, O. Mdaka, T. Khiba (C. Butsaka 73'), M. Mthiyane, I. Jabaar, D. Titus, A. Cupido (L. Nku 7', L. Phili 73'), A. De Jong (M. Khanyi 88').

Sekhukhune United: R. Leaner, M. Thokolo, D. Cardoso (C. Ohizu 46'), V. Letlapa, N. Rammala (S. Mogaila 46'), M. Timm, T. Matsimbi, V. Mncube (S. Malivha 80'), S. Mkhize, K. Makgalwa (M. Mampuru 71'), B. Grobler (O. Mandi 89').

© Backpage TXT