The sooner Mamelodi Sundowns realise that they’ll usher in the new era by winning convincingly at home, the sooner they’ll win over the faith of their supporters.
Sundowns came unstuck in the MTN8 semi-final first leg in Atteridgeville on Wednesday night against Stellenbosch FC after losing 1-0 via Fawaaz Basadien’s penalty.
This loss has meant that they’ll have to dig deep for a win in the second leg at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Sunday (3pm start) to progress to the final.
Sure, the contest is still at the halfway mark, but Sundowns’ coach Manqoba Mngqithi came into this match knowing the importance of hitting two birds with one stone.
He wanted to take an advantage into the second leg and win over the fans, as some are still uncertain about the new dawn following the sacking of Rulani Mokwena.
They failed to achieve both feats as they dominated possession, only to struggle in the final third – like they did in the 1-0 win over Polokwane City in the quarter-final.
That will be a concern for Mngqithi, who’ll know that for them to reign supreme in any competition, they must make their home a fortress.
The Brazilians were fortunate that they didn’t head into the break with their tails between their legs as Stellies found more comfort in the final third.
Coach Steve Barker’s men are already used to making the most of what they can, given that they’ve been forced to play their home games in Durban, owing to construction at Danie Craven Stadium.
So, when Devin Titus broke free early in the first half on the far right, it appeared as though he’d create the first goal that would cast more doubt over Sundowns’ new era.
However, the winger didn’t put in his cross early enough, resulting in Jody February stretching out his hand to stop the ball that would have fallen on the path of Lehlohonolo Mojela.
Sundowns’ sigh of relief – on the pitch, bench and stands – didn’t last long, with Titus again threatening with an acrobatic kick that luckily ended in the arms of February.
February, standing in for the injured Ronwen Williams and suspended Denis Onyango, did well to keep his team in the game as his defence continued to be caught napping.
𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟-𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘! – Fawaaz Basadien's second half penalty gives us a narrow advantage heading into the second leg.
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) August 28, 2024
Sundowns 0️⃣–1️⃣ Stellenbosch pic.twitter.com/dcEH5LC1Nu
Andre de Jong should have punished Sundowns when he got at the end of the loose ball in Downs’ half, only to delay his pass and run before the defence regrouped.
The Brazilians only came close to finding the back of the net late in the first half when goalkeeper Sage Stephens parried Peter Shalulile’s pile-driver for a corner.
Grant Kekana nearly made full use of the resultant set-piece as he connected with the ball in the air, only to place his header against the upright.
The Brazilians started the second half with more vigour, eager to make up for the lacklustre forward runs in the first stanza.
However, lady luck was just not on their side as Stellies won a penalty instead, after Kekana brought down Titus inside the box before the hour mark.
Basadien stepped up to take the responsibility and sent February the wrong way – a goal that must have stung for the home crowd, whose team continued to struggle up front.
Away goal secured ✅
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 28, 2024
Kekana's foul costs Sundowns as Basadien puts Stellenbosch in front 😤🔥
📺 Stream #MTN8 on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/L9QqamhOkA
Substitute Arthur Sales should have become an instant hero on his home debut, but it wasn’t to be as he blasted his close-range effort against Stephens.
The Stellies goalkeeper won the game for his team later on with some incredible saves, resulting in Sundowns losing the match – something that casts more doubts over the new dawn.