Mamelodi Sundowns face a crucial challenge this Sunday as they look to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8 semi-final second leg at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM CAT in what promises to be one of the most exciting fixtures in South African football this weekend.
Stellenbosch FC have been in relentless form recently, competing on multiple fronts with considerable success.
After their MTN8 first-leg victory against Sundowns, courtesy of Fawaaz Basadien’s 62nd-minute penalty at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium, Stellies continued their impressive run with dominant displays in the CAF Confederations Cup.
They swept aside Nsingizini Hotspurs with back-to-back wins, 3-0 at home and 5-0 away, further boosting their confidence ahead of the crucial semi-final return leg.
In contrast, Sundowns have had a relatively quiet start to their 2024/25 campaign.
The Brazilians booked their place in the MTN8 semi-finals with a narrow 1-0 win over Polokwane City, benefiting from an own goal by Thabang Matuludi in extra time.
Despite their slow start, Sundowns remain one of the strongest forces in South African football and are determined to advance to the final of the MTN8.
Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker remains cautious despite his team’s first-leg victory, urging his players to stay focused and not to become complacent.
“To go into the second leg with a lead, especially away from home, is an advantage for us.
But we are mindful that this is only half-time,” Barker said. He praised his team’s tactical discipline in the first leg but emphasized that the job is far from done.
“We knew we would suffer at times during the game, but that period of suffering brought us together as a team and showed our character.
The job is not done whatsoever,” Barker warned.
On the other side, Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi is optimistic about his team’s progress and remains confident that they can turn the tie around.
“I see the team getting stronger as we move forward,” Mngqithi said.
“We are aiming to achieve more than we did last season, and I believe we are on the right track.”
Reflecting on the first leg, Mngqithi admitted that Sundowns failed to capitalise on the opportunities presented to them, particularly in the wide areas.
“We didn’t rotate the ball enough to exploit the spaces we identified.
But when we did, we looked dangerous,” he noted.
Mngqithi is hopeful that his side will be sharper in the second leg as they seek to add more silverware to their trophy cabinet.
Historically, the two teams have met several times in knockout competitions, and the head-to-head record is evenly matched.
In the 2020/21 Nedbank Cup, Sundowns edged out Stellenbosch 3-2 after extra time in the last 32.
However, Stellenbosch avenged that defeat in the 2022/23 Nedbank Cup quarter-finals with a 2-1 win.
Sundowns again got the better of Stellies in the semi-finals of the 2023/24 Nedbank Cup, winning 2-1.
Their most recent encounter in the first leg of this MTN8 semi-final saw Stellenbosch claim a narrow 1-0 win, setting the stage for a thrilling second leg.
Sunday’s match is poised to be a gripping affair, with Stellenbosch eager to maintain their lead and advance to the final, while Sundowns are determined to assert their dominance and mount a comeback.
Football fans across the country will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of this mouthwatering cup tie.
