Sundowns brush off Stellenbosch to maintain league perfect start

Sundowns immediately began controlling the ball and easing it around the park and in the second minute moved up into the Stellenbosch box as Junior Mendieta's shot was deflected for a corner. From the ensuing set-piece Mosa Lebusa rose high in front of Stellies goalkeeper Shane Stephens but the header flicked narrowly wide of the far post.

The rain was making conditions difficult for the players and Stellies took the lead against the run of play with a quarter of an hour gone. A lovely ball was played into the box for Andre de Jong to chase onto, Reyaad Pieterse was off his line quickly to block the shot, but it rebounded to the edge of the six-yard box where Devin Titus was on hand to apply the finish.

The Brazilians equalised ten minutes before the half-time break. Grant Kekana raised a foot thigh high and knocked what looked like a cross back at goal but instead it passed over the keeper and defender to slice into the far corner.

Four minutes later, the turnaround was complete as Aubrey Modiba struck the free-kick from about 30m out superbly, and it curled into the near post with Stephens unable to prevent it going into the back of the net, although he did well to get the slightest of touches to it with outstretched arms.

The Winelands outfit almost equalised in the 52nd minute when Sihle Nduli thrashed a shot on goal, the ball curling slightly away from the keeper before smashing into the crossbar and out for a goal-kick.

Downs were having difficulty dealing with Stellies' physical and direct approach but it was still the champions who were having the lion's share of possession. In the 77th minute Ayanda Gcaba's last-ditch intervention prevented Masandawana from extending their lead.

The three points were wrapped up by the league leaders in the 90th minute after they moved the ball up the pitch into the box with 16-year-old Siyabonga Mabena converting a ball beautifully and unselfishly laid on a plate for him to ensure they have now won all of their eight DStv Premiership fixtures this season.

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