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Mamelodi Sundowns returned to winning ways in the Betway Premiership with a narrow 1-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC on Saturday afternoon.
The win came, courtesy of a Peter Shalulile penalty, that also saw him become the league's all-time top scorer.
The Brazilians started positively, creating more chances than their hosts in the opening half. Despite this, it was Stellies who produced the first real threat when Devin Titus volleyed towards goal in the 12th minute, only to miss the target.
Sundowns quickly took control of proceedings, with Shalulile forcing Sage Stephens into action before being denied by the crossbar with a header just before the half-hour mark. Stellenbosch's defensive lapse later gifted Tashreeq Matthews a golden opportunity inside the box, but he dragged his shot wide in the 39th minute.
The breakthrough eventually came on the stroke of half-time when Shalulile was brought down in the box and calmly slotted home from the spot - his 130th goal in PSL history.
Stellenbosch came out stronger after the restart, with Titus and Khomotjo Lekoloane pushing for an equaliser, but they struggled to get behind Sundowns' disciplined high line. The champions nearly doubled their lead when youngster Letlhaku dispossessed Stellies high up the pitch and fired from range, but his effort flew over.
As the tempo slowed in the latter stages, Stellenbosch piled on the pressure, committing numbers forward and pinning Sundowns back. Despite their efforts, they failed to find a breakthrough as Miguel Cardoso's men held firm to secure all three points and extend their unbeaten run, while the Maroons' stuttering start to the campaign continues.
