A depleted Stellenbosch FC side suffered a 3-1 DStv Premiership defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday on a cold and wet night at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Missing Deano van Rooyen, Fawaaz Basadien, and Iqraam Rayners through injury, and with Ismael Toure and Jayden absent through suspension, the Maroons faced an uphill task in taking on reigning champions and current league-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday.

Kick-off for the match was delayed by 30 minutes due to dangerous weather conditions to compound the challenge but despite the odds being unfavourable, Steve Barker’s side made the faster start and were rewarded in the 14th minute when Devin Titus, on his 50th appearance for the club, fired his team into the lead.

That lead would hold for around 20 minutes until Stellies were undone by a series of set-pieces, with Grant Kekana leveling matters for Sundowns following a corner before Aubrey Modiba netted directly from a free-kick shortly after to give his side the advantage into the half-time break.

The weather cleared for the start of the second half and Stellenbosch went in search of the equalising goal, coming inches away from finding it through the boot of Sihle Nduli whose powerful drive from the edge of the box clipped the crossbar and went over.

It was Sundowns who scored next though, with teenager Siyabonga Mabena scoring at the death to secure all three points for the home team on the night.

Stellenbosch FC starting XI: Stephens, Jurgens (Boji 78′), Moloisane, Mcaba, Sibande, Mgaga (Van Wyk 67′ – Mini 87′), Nduli, Palace, De Jong (Colley 78′), Titus, Oura (Sekgota 67′).