For the second year running, Gallants knocked out the Winelands outfit at the quarter-final stage – but unlike last season’s narrow 1–0 win, this time they sealed the deal in emphatic fashion. A brilliant brace from midfielder Philip Ndlondlo, who stands at just 1.61 m tall, inspired Gallants to a comprehensive 4–0 victory at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in wet and slippery conditions.

Gallants grew into the contest midway through the first half and took the lead through Ndlondlo, who finished off a swift attacking move after pouncing on a rebound from his strike. There may have been a call for an offside, but the goal stood.

Stellenbosch enjoyed more possession towards the break, but Gallants held firm to take a 1–0 lead into half-time.

Philip Ndlondlo against Chippa United in the PSL. Photo: Morgan Piek

The hosts came out firing in the second half, matching the intensity of the worsening rain. Ndlondlo doubled Gallants’ advantage in the 52nd minute with a classy solo effort down the left flank. Once again, he fired in the rebound from his initial strike on goal.

Stellenbosch pushed forward in search of a way back but rarely troubled the Gallants defence after the hour mark. With around 15 minutes remaining – and the rain still hammering down at the Slaughterhouse – Gallants stayed firmly in control.

Monde Mpambaniso, himself only 1.60 m tall, added the third goal in the 79th minute before Edgar Manaka capped off the rout with a glancing header from a corner in the 86th minute. Manaka’s goal sealed a memorable night for the home side as they claimed the final semi-final berth.

Monde Mpambaniso. Photo: Morgan Piek

After the match, head coach Alexandre Laffite expressed his delight at his team’s commanding performance. “I’m very happy because the objective was to qualify, and it was not easy,” said Laffite.

“We didn’t concede and we scored four – I’m very proud of the team. The game plan worked well. We started with some technical mistakes, but as the game went on, we improved, and the first goal was excellent.

“In the second half, we changed our strategy slightly to defend more and recover more height, and it worked. I’m happy because we controlled the game.”

Edgar Manaka. Photo: Morgan Piek

The semi-final draw was conducted after the match, confirming that Gallants will travel to Lamontville to face Golden Arrows in the last four, while Richards Bay will host Orlando Pirates. The semi-finals are scheduled for the weekend of 7–8 November, with exact venues and kick-off times still to be confirmed by the Premier Soccer League.

Before that, Gallants will meet Arrows in a PSL clash at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium in Durban on Sunday evening, with kick-off set for 18:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs