Stellenbosch FC vs Mamelodi Sundowns
By Sello Masilo
Stellenbosch FC pulled off a significant upset by defeating Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday evening, 28 August 2024. This victory positions Stellenbosch FC advantageously ahead of the decisive second leg, scheduled to take place on Sunday, 1 September 2024, at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.l.
Match Overview: Stellenbosch FC Takes the Lead
The match’s decisive moment came in the 62nd minute when Stellenbosch’s Fawaaz Basadien calmly slotted home a penalty after Devin Titus was brought down inside the box by Sundowns defender Grant Kekana. The penalty kick, which sent Sundowns’ goalkeeper Jody February the wrong way, not only secured the win but also provided Stellenbosch with an invaluable away goal .
Defensive Masterclass by Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch’s victory was largely attributed to their goalkeeper, Sage Stephens, who put on a spectacular performance, making crucial saves to deny Sundowns a chance to equalize. His heroics included a stunning stop in stoppage time to thwart Teboho Mokoena’s effort, which rattled the woodwork, and earlier denials of shots from Arthur Sales and Themba Zwane .
Sundowns, despite dominating possession and creating several opportunities, struggled to break down a resolute Stellenbosch defense. The Brazilians were left frustrated as they failed to capitalize on their chances, with Stephens’ remarkable saves leaving them with it all to do in the return leg .
Key Absence: Iqraam Rayners
A notable absentee for Sundowns was their new signing, Iqraam Rayners, who was ineligible to play in the match due to having already featured for Stellenbosch earlier in the competition. Rayners’ absence was felt as Sundowns lacked their usual sharpness in attack .
Strategic Shifts and Missed Opportunities
Sundowns made several tactical changes in the second half, including bringing on veteran midfielder Themba Zwane, who injected some energy into their play. However, Stellenbosch’s disciplined defense held firm, with Stephens once again stepping up to deny Arthur Sales in the 80th minute, ensuring that Stellenbosch left Pretoria with a vital lead .
What Lies Ahead: The Second Leg
The second leg of the semi-final is scheduled to take place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Sunday, 1 September 2024. Stellenbosch will be looking to capitalize on their first-leg advantage, while Sundowns will be under pressure to overturn the deficit and keep their hopes of securing the MTN8 title alive .
Social Media Reactions
The unexpected result sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). Sundowns fans expressed their disappointment, with some questioning the team’s tactics and decision-making. On the other hand, Stellenbosch supporters celebrated the victory, hailing their team’s resilience and Stephens’ outstanding performance. One fan tweeted, “Sage Stephens was a wall tonight! What a performance! #MTN8,” while another remarked, “Stellenbosch showing that money doesn’t always win you games. What a win! #Stellies” .
As the teams prepare for the decisive second leg, all eyes will be on whether Stellenbosch can hold onto their lead or if Sundowns will stage a comeback. The outcome will determine who advances to the final of the prestigious MTN8 competition, making Sunday’s clash one not to be missed.
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