5-goal thriller: Stellies claw back in epic fashion to earn Cape derby win

Relegation-threatened Stellenbosch fought almost literally to claw their way back and earn a stunning 3-2 win against rivals Cape Town City in a DStv Premiership Cape derby encounter at Danie Craven Stadium on Friday.

The home side dreading the drop to South Africa's first division, was in 15th position before kick-off, while their opponents were seventh, looking to disturb the top four with a victory.

Instead, Steve Barker's electric and speedy attack cancelled out Lorenzo Gordinho and Darwin Gonzalez's goals courtesy of Devin Titus' brace, while Sinethemba Mthobisi Mngomezulu netted the winning goal.

Barker's side climbed three places to 12th after 19 games, but the work still needs to be done, as Maritzburg United, TS Galaxy, Swallows and Marumo Gallants have games in hand.

SCORECARD | PSL - Stellenbosch FC v Cape Town City

It took City five minutes to take the lead from a deep-lying corner-kick, as Gordinho pounced on a loose ball which the goalkeeper Stephens Sage failed to clear as the former Kaizer Chiefs defender netted the opening goal from close range.

Devin Titus could have equalised six minutes later as Stellies immediately looked to pour cold water over City's lead, but Darren Keet was up for the challenge as he dived just in the nick of time to tame the low strike that was lurking into the bottom corner.

Stellies' attacking threat of Mervin Boji and Junior Mendieta would rue their golden opportunities that followed as the home side displayed great tactical awareness to use their pace against City's slow defence.

In a counter-attacking move, Boji beat the offside trap, and he only had Keet to beat with his teammate Jayden Adams flanked beside him but opted to go for goal, and the former Bafana goalkeeper blocked the