Tshegofatso Mabasa slotted a penalty to give Stellenbosch FC a point against Mamelodi Sundowns keeping them in the second posittion in the Betway Premiership match at Loftus Stadium on Wednesday night.
Image: BackpagePix
Mamelodi Sundowns (1) 1
Ntsabeleng 27’
Stellenbosch FC (0) 1
Mabasa 86’ (p)
On-loan striker Tshegofatso Mabasa ensured his parent club Orlando Pirates remained firmly in the Betway Premiership title race after his late penalty helped Stellenbosch FC hold Mamelodi Sundowns to a 1-1 draw at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday night.
The draw ensured that Pirates remained top of the standings with 58 points, one ahead of Sundowns, who still have the advantage of a game in hand after their CAF Champions League commitments.
Pirates will need to capitalise on Sundowns’ slip-up by beating arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby on Sunday. Meanwhile, Sundowns will be eager to return to winning ways when they visit Richards Bay FC on the same day.
Given their recent purple patch – including reaching the continental final and a 10-game winning streak in the league – Sundowns came into the match looking to maintain momentum. However, Stellenbosch proved resilient.
The Brazilians made several changes to the team that beat Espérance de Tunis en route to the final, with Grant Kekana and Aubrey Modiba returning to defence after CAF suspensions.
The changes brought composure, though Stellenbosch were without Asekho Tiwani, who was ineligible to face his parent club.
Sundowns nearly took the lead early on when Marcelo Allende delivered a dangerous cross that almost resulted in an own goal.
At the other end, Sundowns had a scare when Aubrey Modiba’s poor back pass was intercepted by Devin Titus, whose effort struck Ronwen Williams before going wide.
Sundowns eventually took the lead through Katlego Ntsabeleng, who combined well with Arthur Sales before calmly finishing in the 27th minute.
The hosts carried that advantage into halftime after a balanced remainder of the first half.
Both sides made changes in the second half, with Sundowns introducing Themba Zwane and Brayan León to control the tempo.
They nearly doubled their lead when Marcelo Allende unleashed a powerful shot that was deflected and saved by goalkeeper Sage Stephens.
However, Stellenbosch found a late equaliser when Mabasa converted from the penalty spot after a foul inside the box, earning his side a valuable point.
The result could prove decisive in the title race, benefiting Pirates despite not playing, while Sundowns will view it as a missed opportunity at home.