Stellies stun Sundowns as Diski Challenge title race gets intense

A lack of consistency seems to be one of the teams' Achilles heel in the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) and that could see the title race go down to the wire.

Out of all the top four teams that are challenging for the trophy, none of them have proved to be consistent enough. They look promising and then drop points when it matters the most.

Mamelodi Sundowns are the latest team that can attest to that. The Young Brazilians looked like they were running away with the title, but things took a twist on Sunday.

Sundowns, who were five points clear and hot favourites to win the league dropped points on Sunday when they were defeated 2-1 by Stellenbosch FC at Idas Valley Stadium.

Stellenbosch set their intentions from the get-go as they were 2-0 after seven minutes of the game.

The first goal came as an own goal after an attempt by Sundown's defence to clear the ball away from the box went wrong and found the back of the net in the second minute of the game.

Stellenbosch continued putting their foot on the pedal and doubled their lead to 2-0 in the sixth minute after Thulani Mini, squeezed the ball from a tight angle to beat the goalkeeper.

Sundowns tried to fight back and pulled one back in the 23rd minute through Siyabonga Mabena. They went to the break with Stellies leading.

In the second half, the hosts were able to maintain the lead and managed the match until the final minute. The victory saw Stellies closing the gap to two points between them and Sundowns.

After 24 matches, Sundowns are at the top with 53 points. Stellies are second with 51 points.

CHIEFS REVIVE TITLE HOPES

Kaizer Chiefs moved to the third spot after thumping Chippa United 4-0 at Wolfson Stadium.

Wonderkid Mfundo Vilakazi returned to the Diski Challenge after spending a few weeks with the senior team and provided a goal and an assist on the weekend. 

The other three goals came from Ntando Nkosi and Naledi Hlongwane, who scored the second goal in the Soweto Derby and continued with his form netting a brace to down The Chilli Boys.

Chiefs are now third on the log with 47 points from 24 matches and interestingly, they still have a date with both Sundowns and Stellenbosch, who are ahead of them.

Other Soweto giants, Pirates seem to be not getting it right. Pirates, winless run was extended to four matches after they were held to a goalless draw by Sekhukhune United at Osak Steyl Stadium.

Their recent slump has derailed them as they dropped from the top of the log to position four. Pirates are seven points behind Sundowns.

It remains to be seen if they can stage a scathing fightback and wrestle for the title in the remaining games.

OTHER DDC RESULTS

Richards Bay FC 5-0 TS Galaxy

AmaZulu 1-2 Cape Town Spurs

Royal AM 0-0 Golden Arrows

Moroka Swallows 2-3 Polokwane City

SuperSport United 1-0 Cape Town City FC