Mamelodi Sundowns moved three points clear at top of the Betway Premiership table after defeating Stellenbosch FC 1-0 on Wednesday evening.
Betway Premiership
Result: Stellenbosch FC 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 18 December 2024
Venue: DHL Stadium
Sundowns made six changes following their narrow win over Raja Casablanca, as goalkeeper Denis Onyango, Thapelo Morena, Rushine De Reuck, Aubrey Modiba, Bathusi Aubaas and Kobamelo Kodisang were brought in.
The Brazilians were quick off the blocks as Rayners had a clear chance on 13 minutes after a through ball but his strike was saved by shot-stopper Sage Stephens in a one-on-one.
However, Rayners eventually gave Miguel Cardoso's charges the lead five minutes later after he rounded Stephens from another through ball by Kodisang and fired a shot into the roof of the net from an angle at the near post.
Masandawana were forced into a change just after that, as Marcelo Allende could not continue due to injury and he was replaced by Neo Maema.
However, the visitors were in control and eight minutes before the interval, Lucas Ribeiro Costa had a good chance after he latched onto a through ball but his cheeky chip past Stephens missed the goals just wide.
Ribeiro had another big chance for Sundowns on the stroke of half-time aiming towards open goals but curled his shot wide.
Masandawana were quick going forward from the break as moments later Modiba came close to doubling their lead with a strike that hit the top of the crossbar.
Steve Barker's charges got into the game after the hour-mark, as they made Sundowns to play behind the ball but they could not unlock The Brazilians.
Cardoso was looking forward to killing the game in the last 14 minutes after Peter Shalulile and Kutlwano Letlhaku both came on for Costa and Kodisang for fresh legs upfront.
However, the Tshwane giants remained under attack and Devin Titus was unlucky not to equalise for Stellies a moment later with a glancing header that was saved by Onyango from point-blank-range.
The hosts continued to pressurize Masandawana in the dying minutes but Cardoso's troops were well organized and held on to victory.
Sundowns extended their lead at the top of the log to three points.
Here's how they lined up:
Stellenbosch FC: Stephens, Kazie, Moloisane, Mcaba, Mdaka, Basadien, Nduli, Palace, Adams, Titus, De Jong.
Mamelodi Sundowns: Onyango, Morena, De Reuck, Khoza, Lunga, Aubaas, Allende, Modiba, Ribeiro, Kodisang, Rayners,
Subs: Tshabalala, Mudau, Mashego, Maboe, Mkhulise, Maema, Lethlaku, Sales, Shalulile
