Stellenbosch FC will be buoyed by their 1-0 away win over the highly rated Mamelodi Sundowns in Wednesday’s MTN8 semi-final first-leg clash at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Although starved of possession (31%), Stellenbosch emerged winners as they rendered Sundowns goalless on their home patch as Fawaaz Basadien converted a penalty following Grant Kekana’s foul on Devin Titus.
The outcome would have been a bitter pill to swallow because Sundowns held the upper hand for long spells.
Thanks to this advantage, Masandawana managed 11 shots at goal – although only three were on target.
Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens had the final say when shots were on target and single-handedly denied the hosts with point-blank saves – no wonder he was named as the “Player of the Match”.
On Sunday, Stellenbosch will host Sundowns in the return leg at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban (3pm start), which has now become their home away from home after playing there twice in the past three weeks due to the unavailability of suitable venues in the Western Cape.
“To go to the home leg, away from home, is a big advantage for us. We are very, very mindful that it’s only half-time, and we are up against a very good team,” said Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker.
“Our tactical awareness and discipline were spot-on. I knew that we were going to suffer during periods of the game. The players knew it, and I knew it.
“But that period of suffering united us as a team and showed our character. The job is not done, whatsoever.”
This Stellenbosch side have been shorn of some of their most prolific talents after they made a mint in the transfer market
Barker has had to settle for several greenhorns to do duty. It seems, however, the matches to date have given them time to find their feet in the elite league.
“These young players have learned how to win. They are winners. They don’t know how to give up,” said Barker.
“We’re going to have to continue to play and take the game to Sundowns whenever possible.
“In one or two situations we should have been a bit more clinical, and we may have come away with even a bigger lead. But I’ll take that 1-0.
“We are humble enough to accept that a 1-0 away win is a massive result for us.”
Barker said the side’s ability to be more clinical in front of goal will be crucial if they harbour hopes of advancing to the final.
“It’s going to be key for us in the second leg to create chances. We have to take opportunities that emerge. If we don’t, it is not going to be possible to defend for 90 minutes,” said Barker.
“We have to be brave and take the initiative.
“We learn a lot from a team like Sundowns. We watch them and we see what they do. They’re the leaders in the market in terms of playing on the continent. And you can see tactical fouls, how it works for them
“You can see how they tactfully slow the game down, especially when you’re progressing in attack. Those are things that I’ve told my team and players that we’ve got to learn quickly. We’re in for a big game against Sundowns on Sunday.”