Mamelodi Sundowns set a new PSL record and equalled Kaizer Chiefs’ unbeaten run with a 3-1 win over Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday night.
The Tshwane giants had to come back from a down goal at the Lucas Moripe Stadium to maintain their winning streak in the DStv Premiership.
With the victory, Sundowns broke the PSL record for the longest unbeaten run with a 32-match streak (W26 D6) dating back to September 2022.
In addition, they matched the PSL record for most consecutive wins from the start of a new season. The game against Stellies saw Sundowns win their eighth game in a row, equalling Amakhosi’s milestone from the 2014/15 season under Stuart Baxter.
The Tshwane-based outfit came into the Stellies encounter with their tails high. Sundowns beat Kaizer Chiefs 3-2 on aggregate in the MTN8 semi-finals on Saturday to book a spot in the final. Sundowns will face Orlando Pirates in the final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on the 7th of October 2023.
STELLENBOSCH FC STRIKE FIRST
On a cold night in Atteridgeville, Stellenbosch were quick off the mark. The visitors found an early goal against Sundowns through Devin Titus in the 14th minute.
Sundowns went in search of an equaliser and levelled matters in the 34th minute after Grant Kekana pounced on a corner kick.
The Premiership defending champions proved their superiority. They took the lead in the 39th minute through Aubrey Modiba, who scored a sublime free-kick.
Sundowns went into the half-time break with a 2-1 lead, thanks to goals by Kekana and Modiba.
However, Stellies were quick off the blocks in the second stanza. Sihle Nduli came close to restoring parity for his team. Nduli’s powerful shot was kept out by the crossbar with Sundowns goalie Riyaad Pieterse beaten hands down.
Siyabonga Mabena added his name to the history books as he scored the third goal to wrap up the game.
By doing so, the attacker became the youngest player to score a league goal for Mamelodi Sundowns in PSL history at 16 years, 7 months, and 9 days old. He beat Siyanda Xulu’s club record by 478 days; set in November 2009.
The Tshwane giants are now 10 points clear at the summit of the log. They have accumulated 24 points after winning all eight of their opening games in the league.
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