Gutsy Stellenbosch knock Sundowns out of Nedbank Cup
Sundowns were, as would have been expected, dominant and easily finding their way into the Stellies box.
Iqraam Rayner of Stellenbosch FC during the Nedbank Cup quarter final match against Mamelodi Sundowns at Athlone Stadium on Saturday. (Photo by Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images)
All hail Stellenbosch FC – the PSL minnows became the first team to beat Mamelodi Sundowns after long unbeaten run that spread over 20 games.
Stellies, as Stellenbosch are better known, knocked Sundowns out of the Nedbank Cup with a 2-1 come from behind win on Saturday evening at Athlone Stadium.
The loss means Sundowns will not emulate last season’s feat where they cleaned the slate, winning all three PSL trophies. They have however already won the DStv Premiership for the sixth time in a row.
Stellies had their chances and the biggest fell for Fawaaz Basadien in the 16th minute, but he hit the side netting.
Sundowns were, as would have been expected, dominant and easily finding their way into the Stellies box.
The Brazilians took the lead on the 38th minute through an a goal that is best described as awkward for Stellies at least.
Aubrey Modiba took a shot from just outside the box, but hit the cross bar. The ball recocheted into Lee Langeveldt’s back and into the net.
Stellies did not stop trying and had a chance late in the first half with Sibongiseni Mthethwa going on a solo run.
But he seemed to run out of ideas when he got into the Sundowns box. And fortunately, Iqraam Rainers was an option for him but ballooned his shot over.
But three minutes into the second half, Stellies found the equaliser. A pass gone wrong from Tebogo Mokoena gifted Rainers the ball and he went through on goal.
And the striker, who has been in scintillating for since rejoining Stellies from SuperSport United in January, made no mistake.
And another pass gone wrong, this time from Mothobi Mvala, again gifted Rainers a chance on goal and he put Stellies ahead in the 57th minute.
