By Michael Madyira
Mamelodi Sundowns were knocked out of the MTN8 by Stellenbosch following a 1-0 semi-final second-leg defeat at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.
Lehlohonolo Mojela’s strike four minutes into the second half separated the two sides in Durban and helped the Maroons seal a 2-0 aggregate victory.
Stellenbosch will now meet Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final as they bid for a second trophy in the top-flight league after clinching the Carling Knockout last season.
Sundowns’ elimination from the top-eight competition highlighted a difficult start to the season post the Rhulani Mokwena era after another unconvincing showing in the quarter-finals.
For a team that lost key players to top Premier Soccer League sides this transfer window, Stellenbosch showed some steely nerves and it looked business as usual for them.
From the first-leg starting team, the Cape Winelands outfit had Ivorian centre-back Ismael Toure in the lineup for the first time this season while Kyle Jurgens was benched.
On an afternoon where his men started from a desperate corner and expected to field experienced players, Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi threw into the fray 18-year-old midfielder Kutlwano Letlhaku for his debut start.
Also starting for the first time for Sundowns was new signing Arthur Sales who condemned Peter Shalulile to the bench.
But captain Themba Zwane was back to start as Aubrey Modiba was sacrificed together with Tashreeq Matthews.
Mngqithi was then forced to alter his plans after 28 minutes when Terrence Mashego was injured and had Modiba replacing him at left-back.
Soon after, Andre de Jong twice tried with his head, including forcing a brilliant save from Jody February in goal for Sundowns.
Early in the second half, Devin Titus was denied in a face-to-face situation by February and from the resultant block, De Jong crossed for Mojela who slotted home at the first attempt to put Masandawana further behind.
The Cape Winelands side thought they had increased their lead on the hour mark when Jayden Adams beat February with a headed effort but was ruled to have scored from an offside position.
More frustration was to follow for Sundowns when Stellies goalkeeper Sage Stephens made a remarkable dive to punch Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s shot against the upright for a corner kick at the death.
Pictured above: Mamelodi Sundowns forward Arthur Sales tussles for possession against Stellenbosch defender Fawaaz Basasien
Source: Mamelodi Sundowns
