Stellenbosch FC were crowned Carling Knockout Cup champions after defeating TS Galaxy 5-4 in a penalty shootout at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

The game got off to a slow start with both teams trying to find their rhythm in the opening stages of the match.

Stellies produced the first real chance of the match in the 18th minute when Iqraam Rayners forced a save out of Fiacre Ntwari in a one-on-one situation.

It was the Rockets who broke the deadlock just after the half-hour mark when Lehlohonolo Mojela found the back of the net with a shot from inside the box to make it 1-0.

The Rockets held on to their one-goal lead as the game went into the halt time break.

Sead Ramovic opted to bring on fresh legs just after the second half resumed as Samir Nurkovic came on to replace Marks Munyai.

Nurkovic nearly made an instant impact when he nearly doubled Galaxy’s lead when he curled an effort at goal, which flashed just over the crossbar.

Stellies eventually levelled matters in the 73rd minute when Olivier Toure with a stunning left-footed strike from a rebound inside the area.

Stephens came to his side’s rescue with eight minutes left to play when he denied Sphiwe Mahlangu’s goal-bound effort.

The Rockers thought they should have been awarded a penalty in the dying minutes of the match when Nurkovic was clipped in the box but the referee waved play on as the game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes of play.

Neither side could score the winning goal in extra time forcing the game to be settled in a penalty shootout but Stellies held their heads strong to come out vicious in the shootout to clinch the Carling Knockout Cup title.

Photo by Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix