Harambee Stars defender Brian Mandela made his debut for Stellenbosch as they orchestrated a major upset, stunning Mamelodi Sundowns with a 1-0 win in their MTN8 semi-final first leg at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday evening.It was the first match for the Kenyan international in over two months since parting ways with Sundowns following the expiry of his contract.Onyango was introduced late in the second half, replacing Devi Titus in the 90+2nd minute.Fawaaz Basadien’s 62nd-minute penalty proved decisive in Pretoria as Steve Barker’s side edged closer to their second consecutive final appearance, following their triumph in the Carling Knockout last season.Clinical from the spot 🎯 pic.twitter.com/kTHpgqYm2z— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) August 28, 2024 Stellies entered the match brimming with confidence after an emphatic 8-0 aggregate victory over Nsingizini Hotspurs in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary first round.They threatened early when Devin attempted an overhead kick just 10 minutes in, only for Jody February to comfortably gather the effort.Eight minutes later, the hosts responded through Terrence Mashego, but his ambitious long-range strike flew harmlessly over the crossbar.Kenyan International Onyango signs for South African sideSage Stephens was called into action for the first time in the 37th minute, making an excellent save to deny Peter Shalulile after he was set up by Lucas Ribeiro.The first half ended without a breakthrough, but Stellenbosch was handed a prime opportunity to take the lead early in the second half when Titus was brought down inside the penalty area.Basadien stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, securing a vital away goal for the Maroons.The visitors’ defence was put under immense pressure, particularly after a frantic goalmouth scramble in the 75th minute.Stephens then produced a heroic save at point-blank range to deny Arthur Sales in the 79th minute.KEFWA President James Situma urges Kenyan clubs to honor contracts and embrace better management practicesAs the clock wound down, Stephens continued to stand tall, blocking Kutlwano Letlhaku’s effort in the 89th minute after the substitute was expertly found by Sales.In stoppage time, Teboho Mokoena nearly snatched a dramatic equalizer with a powerful strike from distance that cannoned off the post, but Stellenbosch held on to secure the win.Onyango, who has had an industrious career in the South, is already looking for more success with Stellenbosch.“I’m also looking forward to sharing some of my experience with the squad and, at the same time, learning from their experience because football is a journey where you have to keep learning every day.“As for the season ahead, I was always taught to leave the jersey better than I found it, so I am looking forward to a good campaign and helping the team do even better than last year.”The return leg will be held on Sunday, with the winner facing either Orlando Pirates or Supersport United.##NAJAVA_MECA_8298080##
