Stellenbosch FC ended Mamelodi Sundowns' Nedbank Cup defence with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory at Athlone Stadium on Saturday evening.
Top scorer Peter Shalulile, Themba Zwane, Denis Onyango Gaston Sirino were recalled by coach Rulani Mokwena, while Stellies handed a debut to youngster Kyle Jurgens at right-back.
Stellenbosch made a positive start after Junior Mendieta beat a few challengers to find Iqraam Rayners on the shoulder of the area, but Onyango managed to court the latter.
The Brazilians were under pressure again later on and nearly conceded after Fawaaz Basadien dropped to the far post of the area and fired a floating ball into the side-netting.
Masandawana showed courage despite the difficult start and played through Stellies' defensive-block before Neo Maema curled wide of the resultant move at the midway mark.
Sundowns continued to push and went ahead seven minutes to halftime when Aubrey Modiba's scorching shot from a tight angle hit the woodwork and rolled in off goalkeeper Lee Langeveldt.
The Maroons were level minutes into the second half after Rayners intercepted a back-pass from Teboho Mokoena and rounded Onyango to slot in an empty net.
Rayners bagged a double ten minutes later when he picked up possession from another forced defensive error and charged in space to dink over Onyango.
Masandawana came close to drawing level from a move down the right by Khuliso Mudau, but Langeveldt smothered him and the follow-up from Sirino.
The Brazilians made a trio of changes in the last 20 minutes and threw on Abdelmounaim Boutouil, Abubeker Nasir and Cassius Mailula in pursuit of the comeback.
In as much as the Tshwane looked to stage a turnaround, the Maroons remained resilient and blocked all forays that ensured the win and passage to the semi-finals.
Confirmed line-ups:
Stellenbosch: Langeveldt, Makhanya, Sibiya, Basadien, Jurgens, Mthethwa, Jabaar, Adams, Titus, Mendieta, Rayners.
Subs: Bombay, Felix, Nduli, Mcaba, Van Wyk, Sibande, Mngomezulu, Ortiz, Boji.
Mamelodi Sundowns: Onyango, Mudau, Kekana, Mvala, Modiba, Mokoena, Allende, Maema, Zwane, Sirino, Shalulile.
Subs: Pieterse, Botouil, Morena, Mbule, Mkhulise, Mabena, Domingo, Mailula, Nasir
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