By Sello Masilo
Stellenbosch FC made history on 1 September 2024, by securing their first-ever spot in the MTN8 final. The Cape Winelands club achieved this remarkable feat by defeating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 on aggregate in the semi-finals, culminating in a 1-0 victory in the second leg at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Lehlogonolo Mojela’s Decisive Goal
Lehlogonolo Mojela was the hero of the day, scoring the only goal in the second leg, which came in the 49th minute. This goal was crucial as it added to Stellenbosch’s earlier 1-0 victory in the first leg held in Pretoria, thus cementing their place in the final with an aggregate scoreline of 2-0. Despite Sundowns’ dominance in possession during the first half, Stellenbosch’s solid defensive performance and efficient counter-attacks made all the difference .
A Historic Achievement
This victory is not only significant for Stellenbosch FC as it marks their first appearance in an MTN8 final, but it also ends Mamelodi Sundowns’ hopes of overturning a first-leg deficit in the tournament’s history. No team has ever come back from a first-leg loss to progress to the final in the history of the competition, and Stellenbosch ensured that this statistic remained intact .
Tactical Mastery and Resilience
Stellenbosch’s head coach, Steve Barker, masterminded this triumph with a game plan that emphasized solid defense and sharp counter-attacks. Even though Sundowns controlled much of the game, Stellenbosch held firm, and their quick transitions proved too much for the Brazilians. The victory also highlighted Stellenbosch’s ability to handle pressure, particularly in the latter stages of the game when Sundowns threw everything forward in search of an equalizer .
Looking Ahead: The Final Against Orlando Pirates
Stellenbosch FC’s journey in the MTN8 is not over yet. They now set their sights on the final, where they will face the defending champions, Orlando Pirates. The Buccaneers advanced to the final after defeating Cape Town City 3-1 on aggregate in their semi-final tie. The upcoming final promises to be an exciting encounter, with Stellenbosch eager to claim their first major silverware and Orlando Pirates determined to retain their title .
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