Stellenbosch Ends Sundowns Winning Streak Sparking Pirates Title Push

Sundowns appeared poised to secure the victory yet a last minute penalty awarded to the away side halted their impressive league dominance.

Below are the key highlights from the match.

Impressive Sequence Halted

Sundowns could not maintain their outstanding form in the Betway Premiership with their victory streak stopping at ten matches. This encounter marked the end of that streak.

Nevertheless it remains an extraordinary achievement during which they netted 23 times while allowing just six goals tightening their grip as the campaign progresses.

They seemed unlikely to suffer defeat here although the result was an uncommon stalemate between the sides. Sundowns had triumphed over Stellenbosch in each of the prior five league encounters.

Indeed Stellenbosch had failed to score against The Brazilians in elite division games since Devin Titus struck in 2023 spanning nearly nine hours of action.

Titus Opportunity

Titus nearly opened the scoring for Stellenbosch after 17 minutes potentially breaking that drought when Aubrey Modibas misplaced return pass fell short for Ronwen Williams enabling the away forward to seize possession.

However the South Africa international goalkeeper responded sharply expanding his frame to deflect Titus shot away from target.

Sundowns Take Control

Sundowns went ahead on 27 minutes and while Stellenbosch might regret their defensive lapse it was also exquisite movement from the hosts.

Modibas delivery inside reached Tsiki Ntsabeleng who exchanged passes with Arthur Sales and with Genino Palace unable to intercept he slotted into the distant corner marking his second strike in five outings and seven league outings total.

Stellenbosch Equaliser

The away team earned a penalty chance after Sundowns backline player Khulumani Ndamane lunged recklessly at Chumani Butsaka prompting referee Thando Ndzandzeka to award the kick correctly.

Tshegofatso Mabasa currently loaned to Stellies from Orlando Pirates stepped up to equalise from the spot and although Williams parried his first attempt he pounced on the loose ball to force it over the line.

Some debate arose as the linesman first raised his flag suggesting Williams strayed from position prematurely on the save but dropped it once the follow up succeeded.

Might Sundowns claim they paused play upon spotting the flag thus not pursuing the ball? They appeared to protest yet officials upheld the score.

Current Standings Impact

This outcome represents a minor setback rather than a major setback for Sundowns pursuit of the championship preventing them from reclaiming the summit.

Pirates lead with 58 points across 25 fixtures whereas Sundowns sit second on 57 from 24. That pending fixture looms large.

Pirates enjoy a +39 goal differential against Sundowns +30 which equates to an extra point this late in proceedings.

Stellenbosch hold ninth on 32 points just two shy of mid table security and qualification for the MTN8 campaign ahead.