In a highly anticipated clash in South Africa's Betway Premiership, reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns earned a hard fought 1-0 victory in Cape Town at Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday. In form striker Iqraam Rayners, acquired from Stellenbosch ahead of the current season, came back to haunt his former club by scoring the only goal in the first half for visitors Sundowns.
Wednesday's goal, the 11th in all competitions this season for Rayners, arrived in the 18th minute when a clever pass from Kobamelo Kodisang found the striker who rounded Stellies goalkeeper Sage Stephens before calmly finishing. Rayners has now scored in the last five matches for Sundowns going back to their Carling Knockout Cup final defeat to Magesi FC.
It was a difficult start for Stellenbosch but goalkeeper Sage Stephens bailed Stellies out when he did brilliantly to deny a firm Rayners effort in the 14th minute. However the recent Bafana Bafana debutant was helpless to stop the in form striker a few minutes later when Kodisang used the outside of his foot to find Rayners for a poacher's finish.
A chance arrived for Stellenbosch came towards the end of the half when Thabo Molisane got on the end of a free kick service but his header did not have enough power to test Sundowns keeper Denis Onyango. The legendary Ugandan shot stopper had more to worry about in the 58th minute but did well to save a header from Andre de Jong set up by Devon Titus's cross.
Poor finishing from Sundowns kept Stellies in the match but fortunately for Masandawana, the 39-year-old Onyango was sharp on the day. Onyango was tested when Titus got on the end of a Sanele Barns cross but the keeper reacted quickly to paw away a header from close range. Sundowns held off the second half charge to move three points clear at the top of the table with one more match played than second placed Orlando Pirates.
Highlights are below.
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