Mamelodi Sundowns continued their dominance in the South African football scene by securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Stellenbosch FC in a DStv Premiership match at the Danie Craven Stadium. The win not only maintained their position at the top of the league standings but also saw them surpass their previous points record.
The decisive goal came in the second half courtesy of Lesiba Nku, a strike that proved enough to secure the three points for the Brazilians. This victory propelled Mamelodi Sundowns to a new points total of 72, eclipsing their previous best of 71 points achieved during the 2015-16 season.
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The impressive feat of accumulating 72 points comes in a 30-game season in the Premier Soccer League (PSL). However, with two more league fixtures left on their schedule, the Tshwane giants have an opportunity to further solidify their dominance and potentially break the all-time points record in the PSL.
The current overall record of 75 points is jointly held by Sundowns (1998-99 and 1999-00 seasons) and Kaizer Chiefs (1998-99 season), achieved during the longer 34-game format of the season. This record serves as a benchmark for excellence in South African football, and Sundowns are now within touching distance of etching their name in the history books once again.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ latest triumph not only highlights their relentless pursuit of success but also underscores the depth of talent and determination within the squad. The team’s consistency and ability to grind out results in challenging encounters have been instrumental in their march towards rewriting the record books.
As they enter the closing stages of the current campaign, Mamelodi Sundowns will look to maintain their momentum and finish the season on a high note. With their sights set on exceeding the 75-point milestone, every match becomes crucial in their quest for glory.
The victory over Stellenbosch FC not only showcased their resilience but also served as a testament to their title credentials. Mamelodi Sundowns are on the cusp of making history once more, and their relentless pursuit of excellence continues to captivate football fans across the country.
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In the realm of South African football, Mamelodi Sundowns have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with, and their pursuit of breaking records further solidifies their status as one of the powerhouses of the game. As the season reaches its climax, all eyes will be on the Tshwane giants as they aim to etch their name in the annals of football history with yet another remarkable achievement.
Furthermore, Downs is currently unbeaten in 52 consecutive league matches and is only two games away from completing a full undefeated season.
Stellies’ setback was not as costly as it could have been, since they remain in second position and on track to qualify for next season’s CAF Champions League, while third-placed Orlando Pirates fell 1-0 away to TS Galaxy in the same match.
Stellenbosch was the more active team in the early going, producing a few promising attacking opportunities, but they did not really trouble Sundowns custodian Ronwen Williams.
Sundowns’ first goal threat came in the 20th minute, when Lesiba Nku headed on target from Aubrey Modiba’s cross, but Sage Stephens easily saved the shot.
Ten minutes later, Stephens produced an outstanding reaction stop to keep out a close-range volley from Peter Shalulile, following excellent work by Thembinkosi Lorch down the left side.
Stellenbosch was awarded a questionable penalty on 32 minutes after Iqraam Rayners was brought down by Bathusi Aubaas’ challenge. Rayners took the penalty kick, but Williams saved it, leaving the scoreboard blank.
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Sundowns had a chance to break the deadlock just before the break when Shalulile headed over the top, but Modiba’s cross was so fast that the striker had little chance of successfully re-directing the ball.
Stellies had the first chance after the restart, but Devon Titus shot into the side netting from the right of the penalty area.Sundowns applied pressure with their possession dominance and nearly went ahead in the 58th minute when Lorch fired a low effort on goal, but Stephens made a sharp stop with his legs.
The hosts made a double substitution in the 66th minute to try to regain the initiative, but the Brazilians quickly took the lead when Lorch’s driven cross from the left was turned home at the far post by Nku, making it 1-0.
Stellies should have equalised on 85 minutes when a free kick gave Anicet Oura a free header just a few metres out, but he missed the target, while former Maroons attacker Junior Mendieta nearly doubled Sundowns’ lead in the final minute of regulation time, but dragged his low effort wide.
Sundowns will play a catch-up encounter away to TS Galaxy on Tuesday, May 21, before finishing the season at home to Cape Town City on Saturday, May 25, while Stellenbosch FC will play their final match away to Richards Bay.
