Royal AM bounced back to winning ways in the DStv Premiership when they defeated Stellenbosch FC 3-1 at the Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The victory elevated Thwihli Thwahla to the eighth on the league standings and they will now lock horns with Kaizer Chiefs in a Nedbank Cup quarterfinal clash on April 16.
Stellies, on the other hand, slipped down to the 11th spot on the standings ahead of their Nedbank Cup quarterfinal encounter against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns on April 15.
Stellenbosch pushed for an early goal and they got in the 14th minute when Andre de Jong set-up Junior Mendieta who netted his sixth league goal of the season to hand the visitors a 1-0 lead.
However, the lead only lasted for four minutes as Elias Pelembe hit the back of the net to make it 1-1 with Tebogo Potsane providing the assist and the goal galvanised the home side.
Thwihli Thwahla took the lead for the first time on the day three minutes before halftime when Potsane set-up Mthokozisi Dube who netted to hand Royal AM a 2-1 lead going into the halftime break.
Stellies searched for the equalising goal after the restart, but Thwihli Thwahla’s defence was looking solid and impenetrable which saw coach Steve Barker introduce Juan Ortiz in the 63rd minute.
However, they conceded a late goal when Mokete Mogaila netted in the 84th minute to seal Royal’s 3-1 victory after Mfundo Thikazi’s free-kick was punched by goalkeeper Lee Langeveldt.
Royal (2) 3 (Pelembe 18′, Dube 42′, Mogaila 84′)
Stellenbosch (1) 1 (Mendieta 14′)
Royal: Ngcobo, Dube, Jele, Lingwati (Mabuza 90’+2), Mogaila, Msomi, Sikhakhane, Mahlasela, Pelembe (Magaqa 90’+1), Potsane (Thikazi 73′), Machupu (Sera 73′).
Stellenbosch: Langeveldt, van Rooyen, Makhanya, Sibiya, Basadien, Adams (Mngomezulu , Mthethwa, De Jong (Mgaga 46′), Mendieta (Ortiz 63′), Titus (Van Wyk 63′), Rayners.
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