Mamelodi Sundowns missed the chance to reclaim the top spot in the Betway Premiership after being held to a 1-1 draw by Stellenbosch FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday night.
A late strike from Orlando Pirates loanee Tshegofatso Mabasa cancelled out Tsiki Ntsabeleng’s first-half opener, ensuring the Buccaneers remain at the summit of the table. The result leaves Sundowns in second place with 57 points, while Pirates maintain the top spot with 58 points.
Sundowns returned to domestic duty seeking maximum points following their continental exploits over the weekend. The Brazilians secured a place in their second consecutive CAF Champions League final after completing a home-and-away sweep of Tunisian giants Esperance de Tunis. Both legs ended in 1-0 victories, courtesy of goals from in-form striker Brayan Leon, who has made an immediate impact since joining the club in the January 2026 transfer window.
The Tshwane giants will be looking to go one step further this year after finishing as runners-up to Egypt’s Pyramids FC in last season’s final.
Meanwhile, Stellenbosch FC headed into the clash high on confidence following a convincing 3-1 league victory over Sekhukhune United last Friday. While Gavin Hunt’s men are pushing for a top-eight finish, Sundowns remain locked in a fierce title battle with Pirates as they chase an unprecedented ninth consecutive league crown.
STELLENBOSCH FRUSTRATES SUNDOWNS AT HOME
In the only midweek fixture, Sundowns and Stellenbosch traded blows in the opening exchanges as both sides sought an early advantage. The Winelands-based outfit nearly broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when Devin Titus pounced on an error by Aubrey Modiba, but Ronwen Williams reacted quickly, coming off his line to produce a vital save.
After Stellenbosch failed to capitalise on their early opportunities, Sundowns made them pay. Ntsabeleng opened the scoring for the hosts, pouncing on a loose ball after the visitors struggled to clear their lines.
Leading 1-0 at the interval, the Tshwane giants faced a revitalised Stellenbosch side in the second half. The visitors pushed desperately for an equaliser, and wing-back Omega Mdaka came agonisingly close in the opening minutes of the second stanza, but his effort whistled inches wide of the target.
As the tempo dipped late in the game, Miguel Cardoso’s troops ultimately paid the price for failing to kill off the contest as Stellenbosch snatched a dramatic equaliser in the dying minutes through Mabasa, forcing a share of the spoils.
The goal originated after Chumani Butsaka drew a foul from Khulumani Ndamane inside the penalty area to win a late spot-kick. Although Ronwen Williams initially saved Mabasa’s penalty, the striker reacted quickest to bury the rebound and silence the home crowd.
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