Stellies cruise to Nedbank Cup last 16

Stellenbosch FC defeated Swallows FC 3-0 to secure a last 16 spot in the Nedbank Cup on Saturday afternoon.

Andre de Jong maintained his spot up front for the host, who had Lee Langeveldt in goal while Swallows re-called goalkeeper Sanele Tshabalala and Junaid Sait.

The Maroons were denied the lead on six minutes after Tshabalala pushed to the near post and parried De Jong's low header from inside the danger area.

Sibiya made his return to the fold count on eight minutes when he got on the end of an in-swinging corner-kick and headed beyond a charging Tshabalala.

The Maroons bagged a second goal nine minutes later as the returning Iqraam Rayers took a layoff from De Jong in his stride and curled in the bottom-corner from outside the area.

Swallows coach Ernst Middendorp made a triple change at halftime as David Uromi, Lindokuhle Mtshali and Kwanda Mngonyama were introduced for the second period.

The Dube Birds should've pulled one back earlier from the break off a teasing header by Bongani Sam following a free-kick, but he went over the top.

However, the Maroons continued to dominant and found a third goal around the 60th minute when Rayners applied a composed finish from a clever position.

From then on, the Dube Birds struggled to stage a comeback nor pull one back despite playing numerous balls in the Maroons defensive area.

Swallows continued to push bodies forward in the latter exchanges, whilst Stellies maintained their all-round shape to claim the win and a last 16 slot.

Confirmed line-ups:

Stellenbosch FC: Langeveldt, Makhanya, Sibiya, Basadien, Van Rooyen, Nduli, Jabaar, Mendieta, De Jong, Titus, Rayners

Swallows FC: Tshabalala, Damons, Sait, sasman, Zulu, Mthethwa, Isaacs, Malinga, Wambi, Allan, Rusike

Subs: Mbanjwa, Sibiya, Sam, Mngonyama, Mtshali, Uromi, Amoojee

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