Stellenbosch ended a nine-game winless run in the DStv Premiership with a come-from-behind 3-2 win over city rivals Cape Town City.
The Maroons welcomed back Junior Mendieta from suspension after he missed the 4-1 loss to Orlando Pirates, while City had forward Khanyisa Mayo back in the squad but he was named on the bench.
A fast start on five minutes saw the Citizens take the lead as Lorenzo Gordinho poked home a loose ball in the area after Sage Stephens fumbled a header from Darwin Gonzalez.
Stellenbosch went in search of an equaliser and were close eight minutes thereafter when Mervin Boji beat the offside trap to go level with Darren Keet, who come out on top in the battle.
City, though, extended their advantage three minutes to halftime when Gonzalez combined with Juan Zapata on the edge of the area and finished off the reverse back-heeled pass.
The Maroons immediately pulled one back tough after Taariq Fielies mis-judged a cross-field ball and allowed Devon Titus to come in and apply a stern first-time finish.
However, City coach Erik Tinkler made a substitution ahead of the second half, with Taahir Goedeman coming on for Zapata while the Maroons were unchanged.
Stellies made an inspired start nine minutes following the break and levelled when Mendieta controlled well before teeing up Titus to step in at the far post and fire home for his brace.
Fielies looked to restore the visitors' lead from a header off a corner-kick a few minutes later, but he went well wide moments before Gonzalez drilled a knockdown over target.
The Citizens continued to find the going tough thereafter but with eight minutes to go, Stellenbosch were in front for the first time when substitute Sinethemba Mngomezulu drilled Mendieta’s low cross into the roof of the net.
City expectantly went in quick search of the equaliser, but were unable to breakthrough and lost the Cape derby with the Maroons out of the relegation zone and City unable to consolidate seventh spot.
Confirmed line-ups:
Stellenbosch: Stephens, Makhanya, Andries, Van Rooyen, Mthethwa, Mendieta, Sibande, Jabaar, Adams, Titus, Boji
Subs: Langeveldt, Mcaba, Mgaga, Letsoenyo, Basadien, Nduli, Han, Van Wyk, Mngomezulu
Cape Town City: Keet, Mkhize, Gordinho, Fielies, Van Heerden, Mokeke, Ambina, Nodada, Darwin, Zapata, Mani
Subs: Mpandle, Mokhuoane, Makola, Bender, Mayo, Cupido, Lakay, Rhodes, Goedeman.
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