Stellenbosch continued their derby domination as they beat Cape Town City 1-0 at the Danie Craven Stadium in their DStv Premiership fixture on Friday evening.
A decent crowd watched as the two teams sized each other up in the opening minutes, City looking to hold onto the ball and build up attacks, while the home team looked to use their pace on the counter.
Stellies went into the game without three key players – the suspended Sage Stephens, the injured Olivier Toure, while with next week’s Carling Knockout final in mind, Jayden Adams, who is on three yellows card for the season, was rested to avoid being suspended.
But clear-cut chances were few and far between though Khanyisa Mayo did force Oscarine Masuluke into a save in the 26th minute, as the league’s top scorer looked for his eighth of the season. Four minutes later Marc Van Heerden headed narrowly wide from a corner.
Darrel Matsheke’s deflected effort was saved by Darren Keet in the 31st minute, while Masuluke did well to come and save at Thabiso Kutumela’s feet in the 38th minute as the City midfielder looked to control the box. A minute later Iqraam Rayners volleyed over at the other end.
But the deadlock was broken in the 40th minute as Anicet Oura got to the end of a square pass from Devin Titus, making his 50th appearance, and the Ivorian fired past Keet.
Just before the break Mayo had a great chance to level matters, but couldn’t keep his header down and at half-time Stellies held onto their 1-0 lead.
Stellenbosch came close to doubling their lead in the 48th minute, but with just Keet to beat, Titus steered his effort just wide of the goal.
But it was to be only the real opportunity in the next 30 minutes, as the two Cape sides battled it out in the middle park, but struggled to test the keepers when in the final third.
City pushed for that equaliser and Tshegofatso Nyama went close in the 84th minute, but his headed attempt hit the crossbar and bounced over. Moments later substitute Patrick Fisher’s ambitious long-range attempt went wide of goal.
Mayo was shown a second yellow card for simulation in stoppage time and City ended the game with ten men.
Victory for Steve Barker’s team who move up to third, while City’s run of wins ends but they remain second.
