Stellenbosch FC were made to work for gaining maximum points in their latest Betway Premiership assignment following a hard-fought 1-0 win against Marumo Gallants at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium on Tuesday night.
Despite a largely dominant display from Stellenbosch, Devin Titus produced the only goal of the game as his instincts inside the area gave his side a timely boost moments before the hour-mark.
Yet another Man of the Match performance from Devin Titus ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/AXPC3euCXR
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) March 4, 2025
Stellenbosch FC made their intentions known early on and took the game to the opposition without hesitation.
Brian Onyango came close to opening the scoreboard in the 3rd minute after a right-footed shot from the centre of the goal went narrowly wide.
Gallants offered little threat during the first 15 minutes of the match, while the likes of Sanele Barns and Ibraheem Jabaar gave the opposing backline something to think about.
As Stellies bossed the 'chances created' statistics, Gallants battled to progress the ball up field.
Sekela Sithole provided Gallant’s a rare chance at the half-hour mark, however, his long-range effort was neutralised with good effect.
Then, Gabadinho Mhango likewise took the direct approach in an attempt to affect the game as his shots from outside the area caused no damage.
The game was 0-0 at the break.
It was more of the same for Stellenbosch after the restart as they posed attacks through the likes of Ashley Cupido and Devin Titus.
Stellenbosch’ pressure eventually paid off in the 53rd minute with Titus breaking the deadlock.
After making way inside the Gallants 18-yard-area, Cupido let off a shot that hit the upright as Titus was first to react in guiding the ball home.
Victory secured on the road 💪
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) March 4, 2025
Marumo Gallants 0️⃣–1️⃣ Stellenbosch FC pic.twitter.com/zahZ6F2TuK
The Cape Winelands side continued to apply pressure leading up to and after the hour mark, which caused Gallants to back peddle for much of the second-45. The home side continuously relied on Mhango for inspiration, however, the Malawian battled to break the defensive wall.
Diala Manaka and Rewaldo Prins attempted to give Gallants an attacking outlet late on in the tie but were off the mark through attempts from outside the penalty area.
With the hosts unable to draw level, Stellenbosch saw out the game as 1-0 winners at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium.
Marumo Gallants: (0) 0
Stellenbosch FC: (0) 1 (Titus 53’)
Marumo Gallants: Mlambo, Ncube, Rikhotso, Sikhosana, Chabatsane, Sithole (Monde 63’), Manaka, Nemtajela, Zindoga (Khumalo 81’), Dion (Prins 46’), Mhango
Stellenbosch FC: Oscarine, Basadien, Mandela, Mcaba, Godswill, Jabaar (Jurgen 86’), Nduli, Khiba (Palace 78’), Barns, Cupido (Lekoloane 86’), Titus