Clinical Stellies triumph over Downs in MTN8 semis

Stellenbosch FC reached the final of the MTN8 tournament this weekend following an efficient 1-0 victory against Mamelodi Sundowns in their second-leg encounter at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.

Sundowns saw most of the ball early on and held up to 75 per cent of the possession count during the first 15 minutes of the match. In spite of Downs’ domination, Stellenbosch looked lively in transition and produced a couple of goal scoring chances during this period.

Masandawana continued to probe inside the Stellenbosch area as the midway point of the first-half approach, however, the Cape Winelands side proved to be a tough nut to crack defensively.

Amid a slow pace to the game, Stellenbosch appeared to be content at surrendering the ball to their opponents but remained dangerous during counter-attacking situations.

Andre de Jong came close to opening the scoring for his side after forcing a fine reaction save out of Jody February at the half-hour mark from a set piece opportunity on the edge of the 18-yard-area.

Other than de Jong’s effort in the 30th minute, neither side created any notable scoring opportunities en-route to the halftime break. Nevertheless, Stellenbosch kept their 1-0 aggregate advantage intact with 45 minutes left to play at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Stellenbosch hit the ground running in the second-half and took the lead moments after the restart. While February produced another point-blank save to keep Devon Titus at bay following a one-on-one situation inside the Downs box, de Jong picked out Lehlohonolo Mojela with a dangerous pass across the six-yard box before the attacker guided the ball home from close range.

The Western Cape outfit managed to put the ball into the back of the net once more at the hour-mark, with Jayden Adams capping off a swift transition move with a diving header inside the area. However, the Stellenbosch star’s celebration was soon cut short after being found in an offside position.

With a goal to the good, Stellenbosch looked comfortable in possession and often put the Brazilians under pressure while going forward. At the other end of the pitch, Downs remained patient in the attacking build-up play on the edge of the Stellenbosch box.

Stellenbosch endured relentless pressure by the Brazilians during the closing stages of the match while the Tshwane side hit the upright on a couple of occasions in the process. Nonetheless, Stellies’ held onto their lead and saw out the game with the MTN8 finals in sight.

Stellenbosch FC: (0) 1 (Mojela 49’)

Mamelodi Sundowns: (0) 0

Stellenbosch FC: Stephens, Toure, Moloisane, Mcaba, Basadien, Adams (Jurgens 80’), Nduli (Mdaka 88’), Jabaar, Titus (Palace 71’), de Jong (Barns 71’), Mojela (Cupido 80’)

Mamelodi Sundowns: February, Lebusa (Morena 61’), Mokoena (Shalulile 76’), Kekana, Mashego (Modiba 28’), Zwane (Maboe 62’), Allende, Mudau, Ribeiro Costa, Sales, Letlhaku (Kodisang 61’)