Stellenbosch trumped in dying seconds against Sundowns
A late goal by Peter Shalulile was the difference when champions Mamelodi Sundowns FC were made to work for a 2-1 victory over a resilient Stellenbosch FC (SFC) in a catch-up Dstv Premiership fixture at the Danie Craven Stadium this past Saturday, 13 March.
The sides met off the back of good form, Sundowns, still undefeated in this season’s campaign and Stellenbosch gaining in confidence coming into the fixture with back-to-back victories on the road.
It was the home side to make their voices heard first when they were rewarded for their persistence through a Stanley Dimgba strike in the 33rd minute. Dimgba adding yet another goal to his tally making him the clubs top goal scorer with 6 goals and counting.
Speaking to SuperSport TV, head coach of SFC Steve Barker said: “In our preparations for this game our analyst made us aware that Sundowns have only trailed a lead by 22 minutes in all their matches all together this season.
“So we’re well aware that if we were to end their 22 match unbeaten run, its going to take something special,” he added.
The sides went into the break with Stellenbosch FC with their noses in front, 1-0 the score and indeed something special needed from the men in maroon to cease the footballing prowess of the ‘Brazilians.’
The second half began with home side on the front foot, when in the 49th minute a careless pass in midfield was picked up by Nathan Sinkala who found an unhesitating Deano van Rooyen on his bike, darting down the right flank of the pitch. Van Rooyen found Dimgba who picked out an in-form Du Preez who had a bit of work to do- keeper to beat. The Stellies number 9 who came into the match scoring two in as many games, failed to hit the target, punting his shot wide of the Sundowns goal.
Just moments later it in the 51st minute after winning the ball back on the halfway line, Sundowns broke with blistering pace, driving at the Stellies defence, through a vacant and retreating midfield. A quick interchanging of passing found Shalulile who calmly played in an overlapping Sirino – the Uruguayan making no mistake from close range slotting home his sides equalizing goal.
The score was 1-1 and the majority of the half still to play.
The rest of the second half demonstrated the tenacious attitude of the Stellies defence who continued to cover ground, persistently breaking down the Brazilians’ attack, catching them on transition and keeping the Sundowns defence on their toes. It was no wonder that it was a Sundowns defender, Rushine de Reuck, who picked up the ‘Man of the Match’ award after the full-time whistle.
It was moments just before the curtains were drawn when Stellenbosch suffered heartbreak to a Peter Shalulile header in the 90’+ 5’ minute, sinking the Stellies contingent, who thought they had done enough to walk away with a point.
Moving the organised pack of Stellenbosch defenders from side-to-side the Sundowns build up was patient, calculated and well executed. A cross from the left side found a leaping Shalulile who sucker punched his side to glory, leaping over the advertisement boards, springing into his all too familiar celebration, sending his teammates into jubilation.
Barker said: “I can’t remember the last time a Sundowns defender received a ‘Man of the Match’ award, you know? It shows what problems we caused them today. But credit must go to Sundowns, they never gave up and they continued to fight showcasing why they’re champions.”
Stellenbosh next face 4th placed Supersport United at the Danie Craven Stadium on 19 March in what will be their final match for March before a rush of fixtures see’s the Cape side play six games within 25 days.
