Well-oiled Stellenbosch machine put four past SuperSport to strut into Nedbank Cup semis

• Stellenbosch FC secures a dominant 4-0 victory over SuperSport United in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final.
• Anicet Oura, Devin Titus, Andre de Jong, and Iqraam Rayners scored for Stellenbosch, securing their spot in the semi-finals.
• Stellenbosch extended their unbeaten streak to 21 matches across all competitions, showcasing their formidable form heading into the next round.
• For more Nedbank Cup news go to the News24 dedicated soccer page.

Stellenbosch FC dismantled SuperSport United with a thumping 4-0 victory in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final clash at a sunny and windy Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday.

Anicet Oura, Devin Titus, Andre de Jong, and Iqraam Rayners found the back of the net, securing both the victory and their spot in the semi-finals.

This win extends their remarkable unbeaten streak in all competitions to 21 matches.

SuperSport, who began the year positively, suffered their third defeat of 2024 as Gavin Hunt's side struggled to contend with the conditions in the Western Cape.

The region, though on the path to recovery after a recent storm wreaked havoc, still presented challenges for the visiting team.

The first half began just as Steve Barker and his troops would have yearned for it as they played with the wind assisting their attacking approach.

Meanwhile, Hunt, on the opposing bench, turned further red-faced with anger as the beaming sun shimmered its grace over the Danie Craven arena.

In a flash, by the seventh-minute mark, Stellenbosch, renowned for their speed and clinical counter-attacks, had once again showcased their trademark efficiency: they found the back of the net.

In this instance, Ivorian forward Oura was at the right place at the right time. He latched onto a probing cross from Fawaaz Bassadien, penetrating into the SuperSport penalty area. Upon facing goalkeeper Ricardo Goss, he unleashed a shot, which Goss initially managed to save.

However, his attempt to gather the ball was thwarted, leading to a chance for Rayners, whose effort was blocked by former Bafana Bafana captain Thulani Hlatshwayo.

Undeterred, Oura pounced on the rebound, displaying sharp instincts as he slotted the ball into the back of the net, handing the home side the early lead.

It took Hunt's charges nearly until the 20th minute to have their first shot at goal through forward Terrence Dzukamanja, which Oscarine Masuluke gloved with ease.

It was a chance the Zimbabwean and the rest of the SuperSport contingent would rue as Barker's charges upped the ante in search for a second goal.

Fortunately for SuperSport, Goss showcased his goalkeeping prowess again by first punching away Titus's strike to safety minutes later, followed by an impressive last-ditch save to deny De Jong's venomous strike.

Just before the half-time whistle, Rayners, aided by the wind, unleashed a powerful 40-yard shot that rattled the upright, narrowly missing what could have been a leading contender for goal of the tournament.

The devastating second goal came less than 90 seconds into the second half, despite Hunt's quick reaction with three substitutions, replacing Dzukamanja, Abdulrazak Hamza, and Onismor Bhasera for Lucky Muthewa, Siviwe Magidigidi and young superstar talent Shandre Campbell.

On this occasion, Titus and Rayners choreographed a beautiful one-two pass, showcasing their synergy on the field.

The 22-year-old Titus displayed remarkable confidence as he calmly slotted the ball home from an acute angle, marking his eleventh goal in his 31st appearance across all competitions.

It then went from bad to worse for Hunt’s visiting side.

Three minutes before being substituted due to an abductor injury for Nhlanhla Mgaga, Jayden Adams sliced through a stunning chipped ball from De Jong.

The New Zealander, who had previously seen his chance saved by Goss, ensured his name was on the scoresheet this time, calmly easing the ball past the Bafana Bafana reserve goalkeeper.

To top it off, Rayners neatly placed the cherry on the cake by ensuring his name graced the scoresheet as well.

With this goal, Stellenbosch continued their impeccable run in cup competitions, securing their third semi-final this season, while they went all the way to win the Carling Knockout Cup.

Stellies join Mamelodi Sundowns, who beat the University of Pretoria on Friday in a penalty shootout, while Orlando Pirates take on AmaZulu later on Saturday evening.

TS Galaxy will then also search for a semi-final berth against Chippa United on Sunday, with the draw taking place after the fixture.