Mamelodi Sundowns came from behind to beat Stellenbosch 2-1 in the weekend’s only DStv Premiership game, played at the DC Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Stellenbosch 1-2 Mamelodi Sundowns
Sundowns had an early penalty call as Gaston Sirino was bundled off the ball by Rafiq De Goede in the 2nd minute, but Victor Hlungwani, who was quite far from the action, waved play on.
Stanley Dimgba went close for Stellenbosch in the 17th minute, but shot over from his chance at close range.
While Sundowns were dictating the tempo, and had another penalty call turned down, the home team were starting to show warning signs of their own.
And Dimgba put Stellies into the lead in the 33rd minute, as he gathered the ball in the box, after Ashley Du Preez initially tried a long range effort, the ball fell to Dimgba, who turned and shot past Denis Onyango.
Sirino tried to level matters four minutes later, but his shot from just inside the area lacked power and Sage Stephens gathered easily.
At halftime the home team held onto their one goal lead, with Sundowns’ unbeaten record at threat.
Du Preez had an opportunity early in the second half to double the lead, but after being played in by Junior Mendieta, Du Preez shot wide of Onyango’s goal.
It was to be an expensive miss as Sirino equalised for Sundowns in the 50th minute, placing the ball past Stephens after being set up by Peter Shalulile.
And just when it looked to be heading to a draw, Shalulile grabbed the winner, heading in in stoppage time from Aubrey Modiba’s cross. Shalulile’s eighth of the season.
Sundowns increase their lead at the top of the table to four points, with games still in hand, while Stellenbosch remain in 9th spot.
