Stellenbosch FC and Sekhukhune United finished the first half goalless in their Nedbank Cup semi-final clash at Danie Craven Stadium.
Stellies had the in-form Iqraam Rayners back up top along with recalls for goalkeeper Lee Langeveldt and Junior Mendieta, while Sekhukhune welcomed back Kamohelo Mokotjo and Victor Letsoalo after the midweek DStv Premiership action.
The Maroons looked to register first in the opening five minutes when a header by Mendieta came back off the upright and saw Babina Noko off the hook.
Langeveldt was called into action two minutes later after a first-time shot outside the area by Mokotjo needed the Stellies shot-stopper to dive across and turn behind for a corner-kick.
It became a lively thereafter where Babina Noko provided another threat through a header at the near post by Sammy Seabi before Rayners had Badra Ali Sangare in a spot of bother at the other end.
Rayners pushed up again five minutes to halftime as he worked himself out of a cluster of challenges to get a shot in from 30-yards out, but Sangare was equal to the task.
The Maroons were quick out of the starting blocks following the break and had Devon Titus come in from the right and cut inside to fire against the post.
Babina Noko caused a scare of their own after a few moments where Langeveldt palmed a header at the far post by Letsoalo following a free-kick.
Stellenbosch enjoyed the lion share of chances before the last 20 minutes as attempts from Titus, Mendieta and Rayners pinned the visitors in their own half.
However, Babina Noko threatened again later on when Mahlangu brought a ball in the box under control and got a shot in which Vusi Sibiya cleared off the line.
Both teams continued to have chances before the end, but neither managed to profit and therefore forced a period of extra-time.
Sekhukhune had a big chance two minutes in extra-time with a tap-in from Letsoalo following a low cross, but Langeveldt made a tremendous save.
The frustration in front of goal continued and ahead of the penalty shoot-out, both teams made goalkeeping changes with Sage Stephens on for Stellies before Ntokozo Mtsweni entered for United.
Mtsweni was the hero as he saved two kicks during the shoot-out to send Sekhukhune to the final to face Orlando Pirates on 27 May at Loftus Versfeld.
Confirmed line-ups:
Stellenbosch FC: Langeveldt, Makhanya, Sibiya, Basadien, Van Rooyen, Mthethwa, Jabaar, Mendieta, Adams, Titus, Rayners
Subs: Stephens, Mcaba, Ortiz, Nduli, Mgaga, Van Wyk, Sibande, De Jong, Mngomezulu
Sekhukhune United: Badra, Mobbie, Ntiya-Ntiya, Cardoso, Gyimah, Mokotjo, Seabi, Ohizu, Mncube, Letsoalo
Subs: Mtsweni, Zulu, Tshibwabwa, Mahlangu, Shai, Madonsela, Masiya, Vilakazi
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