CAPE TOWN – Mamelodi Sundowns secured their third Betway Premiership victory with a 1-0 win over Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium on Saturday.
In a packed stadium, filled with fans in maroon and yellow from both sides, the defending champions claimed all three points, recording their third win of the season.
A 45th-minute penalty from striker Peter Shalulile proved decisive, handing the Cape Winelands side their third defeat of the season at the hands of South Africa’s big three Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Kaizer Chiefs.
The match began energetically, with striker Shalulile creating the first opportunity for his side, though his shot went wide.
Stellies’ striker Andre de Jongh and Devin Titus also had chances, but neither could convert, leaving the score 0-0 after 18 minutes.
Shalulile continued to press in Stellies’ half, creating two more chances that went begging – first seeing his shot saved by goalkeeper Sage Stephens, then having a header from a corner sail over the crossbar.
As the first half drew to a close, a lapse in concentration by the Stellenbosch defense allowed Shalulile to capitalise, resulting in a foul inside the box. Referee Michael Mosemeng awarded the penalty, which the Namibian international calmly converted, bringing his PSL tally across all competitions to 138 goals and breaking the long-standing record.
The teams went into halftime with the league champions leading 1-0.
In the second half, the hosts changed the tempo, ramping up the pressure on Sundowns’ defense.
In the 55th minute, de Jongh was fouled in the box, but the referee allowed play to continue. Stellies kept up the pressure, yet despite several attempts, they were unable to break through, and the score remained unchanged.
Sundowns maintained their lead until the final whistle, with Miguel Cardoso’s side walking away from Cape Town with all three points.
Images: Conray Swail
