Masandwana seal a 2-1 win against Stellenbosch
Bafana Ba Style defeated the hosts for the first time in 26 games.
Stellenbosch’s unbeaten streak of 26 games came to an end on Sunday afternoon as Mamelodi Sundowns emerged victorious from their Nedbank Cup semifinal clash.
The highly anticipated match took place at the Danie Craven Stadium, with fans witnessing an intense battle that ended with a 2-1 victory for the Pretoria-based side.
The match kicked off with both teams showcasing their attacking intent.
The Brazilians wasted no time in taking the lead, with Khuliso Mudau finding the back of the net just 11 minutes into the game.
The midfielder fired a powerful shot into the bottom corner, leaving the Stellenbosch goalkeeper no chance of making a save.
Before Mudau’s strike, Tashreeq Matthews and Peter Shalulile had threatened forcing the Stellies keeper into smart saves.
However, it was not a one-sided affair, as Stellenbosch fought back and created a series of chances to equalise.
Downs goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made crucial saves, keeping the hosts at bay and maintaining his team’s lead.
Despite their efforts, Stellenbosch failed to convert their chances into goals.
During the 13 minutes of added time Matthews and Lucas Ribeiro created two more chances but failed to score.
The first half ended with Mamelodi Sundowns holding onto their early lead, at 1-0.
The start of the second half saw Stellenbosch come out strong, determined to equalise.
Iqraam Rayners capitalised on a defensive error by Bathusi Aubaas and created a threatening opportunity, but his shot went wide of the target.
The Maroons continued to apply pressure with another threatening attempt but Mudau’s clearance found Rayners outside the box.
Before he could take the ball into the area, he was however hacked down to earn his side a free kick.
The resulting kick was headed out of the area, denying Stellenbosch a much-needed goal.
While Stellenbosch kept trying to equalise, Masandwana searched for a second goal to guarantee their place in the final.
In the 72nd minute, Thembinkosi Lorch capitalised on a cross from Peter Shalulile to extend the lead for the Brazilians.
Moments later, Sundowns was awarded a penalty after Mudau was fouled in the box but Shalulile fired his penalty kick over the bar, keeping the score at 2-0.
With just 10 minutes remaining, Stellenbosch halved the deficit with a well-worked goal.
The hosts increased the pressure, seeking to equalise but Mamelodi Sundowns showcased their defensive resilience and held on to the final whistle.
Downs starting XI: Williams, Mudau, Lunga, Coetzee, Kekana, Aubaas, Allende, Zwane, Matthews, Ribeiro, and Shalulile.
Subs: D. Onyango, Mvala, Modiba, Mkhulise, Mbule, Lorch, Esquivel, Nku, and Morena.
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