Stellenbosch FC secured a 1-0 win over Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final on Wednesday night.
MTN8
Result: Mamelodi Sundowns 0-1 Stellenbosch FC
Date: 28 August 2024
Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium
Sundowns made only two changes from their win in extra-time against Polokwane City in the quarter-finals, as goalkeeper Jody February took the place of the suspended Denis Onyango and Grant Kekana replaced Rivaldo Coetzee at centre-back.
Steve Barker's charges had the the upper hand in the opening exchanges, as they broke Masandawana's high line a couple of times but they were not clinical in front of goal.
The likes of Lehlohonolo Mojela, Andre de Jong and Devon Titus were a thorn in the flesh for Manqoba Mngqithi's charges, as they continued to beat the offside trap but were indecisive in the last third.
The Tshwane giants struggled to combine going forward and with ten minutes left of the first stanza, had no shot on target.
It took up until 37 minutes of the first stanza for Sundowns to have a real attack and a shot on target after Peter Shalulile was denied by goalkeeper Sage Stephens after he went through on goal.
The hosts gained momentum a moment later Kekana almost broke the deadlock with a glancing header from close-range that hit the crossbar.
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The visitors started the second stanza with high energy and within the first eight minutes forced an error at the back as Titus almost broke the deadlock after he caught February out of his goal but his shot missed narrowly wide.
Stellies continued to have momentum and just after the hour-mark, Fawaaz Basadien eventually broke the deadlock and got his side an away goal from the penalty spot after a high footed challenge by Kekana in the box.
With 17 minutes to go, Mngqithi looked to affect the game from the bench with a double attacking change as Themba Zwane and Kutlwano Letlhaku replaced Shalulile and Aubrey Modiba.
The changes gave Sundowns new impetus, particularly Zwane on the ball and with ten minutes to go, Arthur Sales had a big chance after going through in the box but his shot was unbelievably saved by Stephens.
Stellies dropped deep and in numbers in the closing stages and were up against it, as Stephens pulled off another blinding save to deny Zwane in a one-on-one.
Masandawana kept on coming and in added time, Teboho Mokoena also came close with a looping shot that came off the crossbar.
The second-leg will take place on Sunday at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Here's how they lined up:
Mamelodi Sundowns: February, Lebusa, Mokoena, Kekana, Mashego, Mudau, Modiba, Allende, Ribeiro, Matthews, Shalulile
Subs: Pieterse, Aubaas, Morena, Tiwani, Mkhulise, Maboe, Zwanee, Letlahku, Sales
Stellenbosch FC: Stephens, Moloisane, Jurgens, Basadien, Mcaba, Jabaar, Nduli, Titus, Adams, De Jong, Mojela
Subs: Langveldt, De Kock, Mdaka, Palace, Toure, Onyango, Phili, Mini, Barns
