Stellenbosch took a step closer to their maiden MTN 8 final appearance after beating Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 in the first leg of their semi-final tie at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Wednesday, August 28.
Fawaaz Basadien scored the all-important goal from the penalty spot on 62 minutes to Steve Barkers side a slender advantage heading into the second leg at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in four days time.
The Maroons were looking to avenge their defeat to Bafana ba Style in the Nedbank Cup last four on May 5 and they made a bright start as Devin Titus attempted an acrobatic overhead-kick that went straight at Jody February in the 10th minute.
Sundowns had their first sniff at goal eight minutes later when Terrence Mashego failed to keep his shot down from range and Sage Stephens was finally called into action on 37 minutes to deny Peter Shalulile after being played in by Lucas Ribeiro.
Grant Kekana was just inches away from breaking the deadlock moments later with a header that clipped the top of the crossbar, leaving the score goalless at the break.
