Stellenbosch FC produced a stunning late comeback to defeat Orbit College 2-1 in Wednesday night’s Betway Premiership encounter at Olympia Park in Rustenburg.
Orbit College nearly struck first in the fourth minute. Lesotho international Sekhoane Moerane orchestrated excellent distribution, creating an early scoring opportunity.
Stellenbosch responded through Devon Titus in the 12th minute. Moerane produced a wonder reflex save to deny the Cape side.
The visitors threatened again in the 32nd minute. Stellenbosch almost capitalised on a long ball to break the deadlock.
Shortly before half time, Stellenbosch lost possession in midfield, triggering a dangerous counter-attack. Monnapule Saleng beat multiple defenders inside the penalty area before finding Alucious Wagaba.
Wagaba controlled possession expertly on the edge of the box. The midfielder fired home to give Orbit College a deserved lead.
Stellenbosch dominated possession despite adopting a more direct approach. The Cape side registered more shots on goal but struggled with accuracy.
Stellenbosch emerged with renewed purpose after the interval. The visitors thought they had equalised early from a corner kick.
The referee disallowed the goal following a push inside the penalty area. Two close opportunities followed in quick succession for the men from the Winelands.
Saleng nearly doubled Orbit’s advantage in the 62nd minute. The winger’s narrow-angle corner kick almost found the net.
Orbit College grew in confidence with each passing minute. Stellenbosch continued dominating possession while looking dangerous from the deeper wide positions. The home side cut out most of Stellenbosch’s byline crosses.
The 76th minute saw Orbit College adopting defensive tactics. They sat deep, happy to absorb pressure and counter-attack when possible.
Molosiane received his marching orders following a challenge in the final third. The red card came as Orbit College mounted a promising counter-attack.
Also read: Pirates claim fifth straight premiership win
Lightning struck in the 88th minute when Thato Khiba equalised. The midfielder scored spectacularly on the volley after Orbit’s goalkeeper failed to hold a free kick.
Khiba emerged from nowhere to level the scores at 1-1. Minutes later, Stellenbosch completed their remarkable turnaround.
Athenkosi Mcaba pounced on a fumbled ball from Moerane following a corner kick. The defender made no mistake from close range to secure victory.
Orbit College appeared stunned as their confidence evaporated completely. Ten-man Stellenbosch had completed an extraordinary comeback to win 2-1.
