Stellies earn hard-earned point away to Matsatsantsa
Stellenbosch Football Club kicked off 2024 with a hard-earned point away to SuperSport United on Friday evening.
Steve Barker’s side extended their unbeaten run in the DStv Premiership to eight matches on Friday after playing out a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Matsatsantsa at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium.
The team from the Cape Winelands was made to work for the point after falling behind in the 22nd minute after Bradley Grobler opened the scoring for the hosts from a well-crafted cross by youngster Shandre Campbell.
Grobler’s goal proved to be the difference at the half-time break as Stellies returned to the dressing room trailing to a solitary goal but with the chance to regroup and recover for an improved second-half performance.
That was exactly what transpired as Iqraam Rayners leveled the scoring shortly before the hour mark when he bundled the ball home from a tight angle.
From there, both sides looked to find the winner and the Maroons fashioned a late chance through Antonio van Wyk who broke clear following a blistering counter-attack only to be cut short by a foul from last-man Keegan Allen.
Already booked, the defender escaped a second caution but would receive his marching orders just a moment later when a rash challenge left Devin Titus needing treatment on the touchline.
There was, however, not enough time for Stellenbosch to take advantage of their numerical advantage as the referee blew his whistle soon after to signal the end of a tough encounter on the road.