Stellenbosch FC 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns: Masandawana close gap on Kaizer Chiefs
Themba Zwane’s first half goal ensured that the reigning PSL champions secured a narrow win in the Mother City
Mamelodi Sundowns recorded their fourth consecutive Premier Soccer League (PSL) win when they edged out Stellenbosch FC 1-0 on Wednesday night.
Stellies were hoping to boost their hopes of retaining their status in the top flight league by securing their first-ever win over Sundowns.
Tanzania youth international Ally Msengi was handed his official debut by Steve Barker, while Sundowns loanee Nyiko Mobbie faced his parent club.
On the other end, Masandawana were looking to keep their league title defence on track after being eliminated from the Caf Champions League last weekend.
Pitso Mosimane recalled Hlompho Kekana, Gaston Sirino and Sibusiso Vilakazi to the starting line-up after the trio served a one-match suspension.
The visitors got off to the perfect start as they broke the deadlock just eight minutes into the match through Themba Zwane following a great move.
The 30-year-old attacker fired past Stellenbosch goalkeeper Lee Langeveldt to make it 1-0 Sundowns after being set-up by his Bafana Bafana teammate Vilakazi,who had combined with Kekana.
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However, Masandawana were forced to making an early change as Siphelele Mkhulise went down injured and he was replaced by Lebohang Maboe.
Stellies took control of the match after the half-hour mark and they began creating goal-scoring opportunities as they looked to restore parity.
Ovidy Karuru’s headed effort narrowly missed the target, before Motjeka Madisha blocked Lelethu Skelem’s goal-bound shot to ensure that the first half ended with Sundowns leading 1-0.
Sundowns continued to attack in search of more goals after the restart with Zwane looking to complete his brace.
The former Mpumalanga Black Aces player was sent through on goal by Kekana, but he was well denied by the experienced Langeveldt.
Iqraam Rayners, who scooped last season’s National First Division (NFD) Golden Boot award, was introduced by Barker as the hosts pushed for the equalising goal.
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Masandawana were forced to play with 10 players in the closing stages after Tebogo Langerman went down injured and he could not continue with the visitors having used all of their substitutions.
However, Mosimane’s side defended very well with Lyle Lakay having dropped back into the left-back position and ultimately, Sundowns secured a narrow 1-0 win over Stellenbosch.
The win saw Sundowns remain second on the league table – four points behind leaders, Kaizer Chiefs, but the former have a game in hand, while Stellies remained 11th on the log.
