Stellies extend unbeaten run with victory over AmaZulu
Stellenbosch FC’s charge towards a top-eight finish in the DStv Premiership gained further traction on Friday after the club recorded an impressive 2-0 win over AmaZulu.
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Stellies leapfrogged AmaZulu in the league standings with a 2-0 win at the Danie Craven Stadium.
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Iqraam Rayners and Devin Titus were the goal scorers on the night.
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The Maroons are now on a run of seven matches (six wins and one draw) without defeat across all competitions.
On the back of an impressive 6-3 Nedbank Cup win over TS Galaxy last weekend, Steve Barker’s side extended their unbeaten run to seven matches across all competitions by recording a 2-0 win over AmaZulu at the Danie Craven Stadium on Friday, in the process climbing up to seventh in the DStv Premiership standings.
The guests were quickest out of the blocks on a warm night in Stellenbosch and came close to opening the scoring early on through the boot of Gabadinho Mhango who struck the upright with a powerful effort, and a collective sigh of relief was breathed as the rebound was struck wide.
That near-miss served to spur Stellies on and it was the in-form Iqraam Rayners who made it count at the other end shortly after, firing home with just under 20 minutes played after sharp interplay with Junior Mendieta. His goal was his ninth in just six matches since re-joining the club.
Deano van Rooyen had the next best chance, stinging the palms of opposition ‘keeper Veli Mothwa with a low driving effort, before Mendieta and Rayners came close to doubling the advantage in quick succession. The latter setting the former through on goal but the Argentine’s effort was well saved, while Rayners’ follow-up was deflected wide.
Following the half-time interval, Barker’s side looked to press on and were unlucky not to get the elusive second goal through Devin Titus, who saw an effort ricochet off the post and out of play on the hour-mark. Eight minutes later, Rayners saw an effort deflected inches wide as Stellies continued their barrage of attacks, which AmaZulu responded to in kind with an effort that rose just over the bar soon after.
The home side’s persistence was rewarded in the 76th minute, however, when Titus made it two goals in two games for himself by doubling the advantage. The 21-year-old took the ball in his stride after receiving it from Van Rooyen, composed himself and fired home from a tight angle.
Ten minutes later, Rayners had the chance to put the game to bed after being played through in style by substitute Jayden Adams but saw his effort curl inches wide to the right, and fellow sub Antonio van Wyk had a stab at goal late-on as well.
Van Wyk’s effort ultimately proved to be the last chance of the match as Stellies sealed a convincing and important win to leapfrog the Kwa-Zulu Natal-based AmaZulu in the league standings, and head into the international break firmly rooted in the top eight.