Stellenbosch FC grabbed a crucial 1-0 win over Mamelodi Sundowns in a thrilling MTN8 semi-final first-leg clash at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Wednesday night, thanks to a second-half penalty by Fawaaz Basadien.
The match began with high intensity as Stellenbosch’s Devon Titus got behind the Sundowns defense just seven minutes in, but his low cross was intercepted by goalkeeper Jody February, who quickly parried the ball away from danger.
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Two minutes later, Titus attempted an acrobatic kick, but again February was up to the task, denying him with another sharp save.
In the 22nd minute, Bradley Mojela found himself in a promising position after being set up by Andre De Jong, but his hesitation allowed Teboho Mokoena to make a crucial block and send the ball out for a corner.
Mojela had another chance five minutes later when he latched onto a poor clearance from Mosa Lebusa, but his shot was off target.
The Sundowns nearly took the lead in the 35th minute, but Sage Stephens produced a vital save in a one-on-one situation against Peter Shalulile.
Just a minute later, Grant Kekana’s header struck the crossbar, leaving the score tied at 0-0 at halftime.
The second half began with Aubrey Modiba’s shot deflecting over the crossbar in the 49th minute.
Titus had a golden opportunity in the 52nd minute but curled his shot wide with only February to beat.
Stellenbosch finally broke the deadlock in the 58th minute when the referee, Thokozani Mkhize, awarded them a penalty after Kekana tackled Titus in the box.
Basadien confidently stepped up and converted, putting Stellenbosch ahead 1-0.
Sundowns pushed hard for an equalizer, with Arthur Sales denied at point-blank range by Stephens in the 79th minute, while Basadien’s free kick in the 83rd minute was comfortably collected by February.
Themba Zwane came close in the 87th minute, but Stephens once again came up big with a superb save.
The drama continued right up until the final whistle, with Mokoena’s thunderous strike in the 90th minute crashing against the crossbar, leaving Sundowns frustrated.
With this narrow win, Stellenbosch FC takes a vital 1-0 advantage into the second leg of the semi-final this weekend.
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Sundowns will now face a tough challenge as they travel to the Cape Winelands, needing to overturn the deficit to keep their MTN8 hopes alive.
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