Stellenbosch came from two goals down to secure a stunning 3-2 comeback win over Orlando Pirates in their DStv Premiership clash at Orlando Stadium on Friday evening.
Pirates looked in control of the fixture up until the 69th minute, having wavered the storm of the relentless Stellenbosch high-press in the opening half with poise and composure.
While they dominated possession and parked inside of Stellies half for most of the opening 45 minutes, it was Tapelo Xoki’s penalty that handed them a first-half lead.
Thabo Moloisane was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area by referee Abongile Tom which incensed the visitors before the skipper stepped up to slot home.
But the Carling Knockout champions pulled off something remarkable, which not many could have predicted when Evidence Makgopa made it 2-0 just before the hour mark.
The Bafana Bafana striker set for the Africa Cup of Nations showed finesse with a flicked finish which somehow beat Sage Stephens, but an eight-minute blitz turn the game on it’s head.
Iqraam Rayners, Devin Titus and Andre de Jong all found the net in swift, instintiotive and deadly counter-attacks that left Pirates, their supporters and head coach Jose Riveiro in disbelief.
They managed to hold onto the result with Barker hauling off his number nine, Rayners for midfielder Genino Palace.
The win moved Stellenbosch into third place, eight points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns who have three games in hand, while Pirates dropped down to fifth.
