Stellenbosch FC edged Marumo Gallants FC 1-0 in a hard-fought Betway Premiership clash at the DHL Cape Town Stadium on Thursday night.
A single, decisive goal from Thabo Moloisane broke the deadlock, pushing Stellenbosch to fourth place on the league table with 11 points from six matches. Meanwhile, Gallants dropped to 14th, struggling with only four points after six games.
The first half was a cagey affair, with both sides creating chances but failing to capitalise.
Gallants’ Thapelo Mokobodi tested Stellenbosch’s defence early with a blocked shot from outside the box in the opening minute.
Stellenbosch replied with efforts from Fawaaz Basadien and Sihle Nduli, both narrowly missing the target, leaving the scoreline unchanged at half-time.
In the 76th minute, Stellenbosch finally broke through. A well-placed corner from Ashley Cupido found Moloisane, who rose above the defence to head the ball into the top left corner.
The goal injected energy into the home side as they worked to hold off Gallants’ late push.
Marumo Gallants fought back in the dying minutes, with Phathutshedzo Nange and Siya Shai both coming close to an equaliser.
However, Stellenbosch’s defence remained resolute, securing the narrow victory to earn all three points in front of their home fans.