Stellenbosch FC suffered a first defeat of the season after going down 1-0 to Polokwane City at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Having recorded an opening-day victory over Orlando Pirates at home last weekend, Stellenbosch FC suffered differing fortunes on the road on Wednesday when they suffered a 1-0 DStv Premiership defeat to Polokwane City at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

The hosts looked to control the opening phases of the match and came closest to scoring in the opening half an hour when a deflected effort ricocheted off the Stellies up-right before being cleared away for a corner, which in turn was dealt with by the Stellies defence.

That proved to be a temporary reprieve for Steve Barker’s side though, as they fell behind just minutes later when Ismaël Touré, Man of the Match in last weekend’s win over Orlando Pirates, was unfortunate to head an attempted clearance into the back of his own net.

Trailing at the half-time break, Barker rang the changes in the second stanza with Ivory Coast international Oura Anicet brought on to make his debut, before Qobolwakhe Sibande and Kgaogelo Sekgota were also introduced to add attacking impetus.

Shortly after the hour mark, it was Stellies’ turn to hit the woodwork as Iqraam Rayners struck a thunderous effort against the upright after neat interplay in the build-up, but it was a moment that ultimately summed up the night for the team from the Cape Winelands.

Nhlanhla Mgaga and another substitute in the form of Gambian wonder-kid Salifu Colley were also brought on, and the latter blazed a late effort over as the Maroons were ultimately unable to find the equaliser, succumbing to a narrow 1-0 defeat away from home.