Stellenbosch draw first blood in Pretoria

by Staff Reporter

Wednesday Aug 28, 2024. 21:04

Stellenbosch took a step closer to their maiden MTN 8 final appearance after beating Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 in the first leg of their semi-final tie at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Wednesday, August 28.

Fawaaz Basadien scored the all-important goal from the penalty spot on 62 minutes to Steve Barker’s side a slender advantage heading into the second leg at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in four days’ time.

The Maroons were looking to avenge their defeat to Bafana ba Style in the Nedbank Cup last four on May 5 and they made a bright start as Devin Titus attempted an acrobatic overhead-kick that went straight at Jody February in the 10th minute.

Sundowns had their first sniff at goal eight minutes later when Terrence Mashego failed to keep his shot down from range and Sage Stephens was finally called into action on 37 minutes to deny Peter Shalulile after being played in by Lucas Ribeiro.

Grant Kekana was just inches away from breaking the deadlock moments later with a header that clipped the top of the crossbar, leaving the score goalless at the break.

However, the visitors were presented with a glorious chance to open the scoring early in the second half when Titus was fouled inside the box and Basadien made no mistake from 12 yards out to give Stellies a crucial away goal.

The Brazilians piled on the pressure in the closing stages and Arthur Sales was unable to beat Stephens from point-blank range on 79 minutes, while the Stellenbosch goalkeeper pulled off another fine save from Kutlwano Letlhaku 10 minutes later before Teboho Mokoena ratted the woodwork with a trademark shot from range in stoppage time.