Stellenbosch and Mamelodi Sundowns played to a 1-1 draw at the Danie Craven Stadium in Saturday night’s late DStv Premiership fixture.
It was the first time in their history that Stellenbosch has not suffered defeat to the DStv Premiership champions, having lost the previous six meetings.
Stellenbosch 1-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
It was a windy evening in Stellenbosch, with rain threatening overhead, and Haashim Domingo had an early chance for the visitors, but his fourth minute attempt was off target.
Stellies’ pacy forwards were causing problems, but while Ashley Du Preez, Junior Mendieta were causing the defence problems, they didn’t threaten Kennedy Mweene’s goal in those early chances.
Lyle Lakay’s free kick in the 20th minute almost caused problems for the home team, but Robyn Johannes was able to clear ahead of an eagerly-awaiting Mosa Lebusa.
Grant Kekana went close in the 27th minute, but his shot was deflected behind, while from the resulting corner Themba Zwane shot wide.
Mendieta and Du Preez missed with long range attempts around the half hour mark, before Sage Stephens had to be alert to deny Thabiso Kutumela in the 33rd minute.
Du Preez’s pace continued to cause problems, and Stellies were awarded a penalty in the 42nd minute, when Khuliso Mudau fouled him in the box. Mendieta stepped up and sent Mweene the wrong way to make it 1-0, and Stellies took that lead into the half-time break.
There were early second half chances for the visitors, Lebusa going wide in the 48th minute, while Kutumela suffered the same result three minutes later.
Sundowns were level in the 59th minute, when Lakay unleashed a left footed shot from just outside the box, and Stephens was beaten. 1-1.
Lakay’s free kick in the 66th minute was narrowly over, as Sundowns pressed to get the lead. Thapelo Morena got a shot on target in the 76th minute, but Stephens saved comfortably.
Lakay’s cheeky attempt in the 82nd minute caused problems for Stephens, but the Stellies’ goalkeeper was able to gather on the second attempt. Morena’s long range attempt two minutes later was always going wide.
Substitute Kermit Erasmus’s curling free kick in the 86th minute was just too high.
Points shared, as it ended 1-1.
