Stellenbosch FC suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in a Betway Premiership encounter on Wednesday.

In a battle between fourth and first in the Betway Premiership, Stellenbosch FC hosted reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Wednesday evening.

Read | Stellies’ Vellios to represent Carling All-Star team

The guests made a fast start to the tie and created the first opportunity of note through youngster Malinbongwe Kh0za, who headed just over from close range after being picked out at the far post.

Sundowns’ Iqraam Rayners was next to test the goal but a strong save from Sage Stephens denied the former Stellenbosch striker, although his effort proved to be a warning of things to come.

Just minutes later, Rayners worked his way into the box once more and kept his composure to fire home after rounding Stephens and defender Athenkosi Mcaba.

Stellies looked to hit back at the other end and fashioned a handful of breakaway chances, but it was Sundowns who came closest to troubling the scorers just before the half-time break through Lucas Ribeiro.

With two chances in quick succession, the Brazilian forward first dinked the ball narrowly wide of goal before later curling another effort just wide with the last kick of the half.

Following the interval, Masandawana were out of the blocks quickly and came close to doubling the lead through Aubrey Modiba who struck the crossbars with an effort from range.

Stephens was then called into action to make a low save to deny Kobamelo Kodisang, which served to spur on his Stellies teammates in the attacking third.

Andre de Jong forced Denis Onyango into a smart low save with a header before Devin Titus was denied from an acute angle after being played in by Jayden Adams.

Read | Lehlogonolo Mojela successfully undergoes knee surgery

Onyango was on hand again with ten minutes remaining when he pulled off another smart save to deny Titus again, this time keeping out a headed effort from close range.

Sanele Barns had a late chance blocked en route to goal with the last chance of the match as Stellies ultimately ran out of time in their pursuit to find an equalising goal.

Stellenbosch FC starting XI: Stephens, Godswill (Jurgens 46′), Moloisane, Mcaba, Mdaka (Barns 61′), Basadien, Palace (Butsaka, 61′), Nduli, Adams, Titus (Lekoloane, 82′), De Jong (Cupido, 61′)