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Sundowns bag eighth consecutive league win

golf27 September 2023 20:30
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Mamelodi Sundowns continued their fine form in the DStv Premiership this week, following a hard-fought 3-1 win over Stellenbosch FC at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Wednesday night.

The victory saw Sundowns set the longest unbeaten run in the DStv Premiership.

It was their 32nd unbeaten match in the league, stretching back to September last year when they lost 2-1 to SuperSport United.

It beats the old mark of 31 league games without defeat set by Kaizer Chiefs between January and November 2005.

While Devin Titus opened the scoring in the 13th minute, Sundowns were made to work for their points on the night, as goals by Grant Kekana and Aubrey Modiba ensured Downs the lead before the halftime whistle. 

Then, as the stuff of dreams, Siyabona Mabena bagged Sundowns third goal of the night, with the 16-year-old opening his account for the reigning league champions.

The Brazilians started the game on the front foot and immediately took the game to the travelling side.

With 10 minutes on the clock, the likes of Junior Mendieta and Peter Shalulile linked up well going forward and created the first notable chance of the game.

However, it was Stellenbosch who drew first blood as Titus got his name on the scoresheet in the 13th minute. 

After being played through on goal, Andre De Jong’s shot was saved by Reyaad Pieterse, while Titus found himself in the right position to follow through on the rebound.

Sundowns looked out of sorts after conceding and struggled to get into their usual passing rhythms.

While the Brazilians held most of the ball, Stellenbosch did well to defend their quarters mid-way through the first half.

MODIBA SHOWS HIS CLASS

The Tshwane giants drew level soon after the half-hour mark, as Kekana joined Titus on the goal scorer's sheet.

Following a corner situation, Themba Zwane’s miscued header was picked up by Kekana at the far post, who lobbed the ball into the back of the net from a tight angle.

Downs then took the lead in the 39th minute, as Modiba showcased his class from a dead ball situation. 

After being awarded a free-kick on the edge of the Stellies’ area, Mobida’s curling strike proved to be too much for Sage Stephens to handle.

As the second 45 commenced, Sundowns continued to turn the screws in search of a third goal.

After 10 minutes played after the restart, Stellenbosch struggled to progress the ball out of their half as a result of Sundowns’ pressure.

With an hour played at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium, Sundowns remained in control of the tie while the travelling side saw little chances coming their way.

Steve Barker then turned to his bench for some inspiration, as the likes of Antonio van Wyk and Kgaogelo Sekgota were introduced to the fold.

Over on the opposite bench, Lebohang Maboe and Sphelele Mkhulise were roped in by Rulani Mokwena with around 15 minutes left on the clock.

Stellenbosch provided Sundowns with a couple of nervy moments toward the end of the match and attempted to stretch the home team’s defence by taking the direct route toward goal.

It was Sundowns who eventually added a third goal during stoppage time.

After a well-worked passing move inside the Stellies’ box, Mkhulise and Shalulile combined well to tee up Siyabonga Mabena who made no mistake from close range.

Mamelodi Sundowns: (2) 3 (Kekana 33’, Modiba 39’, Mabena 90+1')

Stellenbosch FC: (1) 1 (Titus 13’)

Sundowns: Pieterse, Coetzee (Ngobeni 94’), Zungu, Mvala, Kekana (Mudau 86’), Modiba, Maseko (Mabena 86’), Lebusa, Morena (Mkhulise 74’), Mendieta (Maboe 74’), Shalulile

Stellenbosch: Stephens, Sibande, Moloisane, Mcaba, Jurgens (Boji 79’), Oura (Sekgota 67’), Nduli (Colley 78’), Palace, Titus, de Jong, Mgaga (van Wyk 67’ Mini 87’)

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