Stellenbosch FC advanced to the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Kruger United on Tuesday evening.
A decent eleven was presented by the host who also had youngsters Cheswyn Philander and Faiz Abrahams in the match day squad for the first time this season.
The Maroons were in buoyant mood after crushing AmaZulu 5-0 though were in for a torrid time against a relatively unknown entity in Kruger.
In the same light, new boy Thato Khiba nearly profited when he came inside to get a yard on the opposite number though he was thwarted in time by a back-paddling defence.
The Championship charges turned to the bench arguably forced and brought on Thapelo Matlhoko in place of the forward Mziwokuthula Zimu.
With the clash tight on all round, both teams turned to the bench to change the course with Devon Titus on for Ashley Cupido before Fawaaz Basadien entered for Omega Mdaka.
Kruger, though, saw former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder George Maluleka make way for Sizwe Sithole and threw on Onyedikachi Ononogbu for Khotso Malope.
The refreshed approach worked to the visitors favour when Ononogbu combined with first half substitute Matlhoko to grab the front-foot.
As more personnel from the bench entered in Andre De Jong for Ibraheem Jabaar to withdrawing Genino Palace for Chumani Butsaka, the Maroons kept the hope alive.
Thus, with just over 20 minutes to go pulled the equaliser when Langelihle Phili picked up a delivery from Titus to rattle the back of the net.
Stellenbosch turned the contest in their favour in the closing five minutes later, where the substitutes Butsaka and Titus combined to see the latter find the winner.
Confirmed line-ups:
Stellenbosch FC: Stephens, Mdaka, Jurgens, Cupido, Phili, Enyinnaya, Khiba, Mcaba, Jabaar, Palace, Toure
Subs: Masuluke, Onyango, Basadien, Butsaka, Nduli, De Jong, Abrahams, Titus, Philander