DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns remain on course for the unbeaten league campaign after defeating Stellenbosh FC 1-0 on Saturday.
DStv Premiership
Result: Stellenbosch 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 18 May 2024
Venue: Athlone Stadium
Rulani Mokwena recalled goalkeeper Ronwen Williams while there was also a return for Sipho Mbule in the midfield of the park following Tuesday's win over Roya AM.
The Brazilians came into the match looking to make history as they were on 69 points with three matches to play.
However, the Western Cape side did not make it easy for the newly-crowned champions as they managed to hold their own in the early stages.
Stellenbosch should have broken the deadlock on 34 minutes after being awarded a penalty following Bathusi Aubaas' foul. Top scorer Iqraam Rayners stepped but saw his spot-kick saved by Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Mokwena's charges started the second half with real attacking intent, but Stellenbosch goalkeeper Stephens did well to keep out Lorch's low strike int he box ten minutes after the break.
Stellies coach Steve Barker opted for a double change with 30 minutes to paly, as Nhlanhla Mgaga and Anicet Alain Oura came on for Devin Titus and Andre de Jong.
However, the newly-crowned champions took the lead a minute later as Lesiba Nku bagged his fourth league goal of the campaign by turning Lorch's cross at the far post.
Sundowns defended with everything in the latter stages to deny Stellenbosch an equaliser, while Stellenbosch remain in second spot after Orlando Pirates lost to TS Galaxy.
7?2? points and counting! A new PSL record for the highest number of points accumulated in a single season! ??
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 18, 2024
2? #DStvPrem games to go! Let's keep going #Champ7ons! ??#Sundowns pic.twitter.com/3giY1eUtUq
Here's how they lined up:
Stellenbosch FC: Stephens, Toure, Moloisane, Van Rooyen, Basadien, Nduli, Adams, Palace, De Jong, Titus, Rayners
Subs: Masuluke, Mcaba, Sibande, Mgaga, Jurgens, Oura, Boji, Mini, Colley
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Mdunyelwa, Modiba, Coetzee, Aubaas, Mbule, Allende, Zwane, Lorch, Nku, Shalulile
Subs: Pieterse, Mvala, Lebusa, Maboe, Esquivel, Mabena, Mendieta, Matthews, Morena
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