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Stellies tactician reacts to win over Sundowns

Steve Barker says that while they are happy with the result, Stellenbosch FC still have work to do to knock Sundowns out of the MTN8.

Stellies hold a 1-0 lead heading into the second leg of the MTN 8 semi-final.

The Winelands side will play the ‘home’ leg in Durban, taking away from the advantage they might have gleaned.

However Fawaaz Basadien’s second half spot-kick ensures they have a tangible edge with the one goal lead.

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Stellies delighted to hold the edge over Sundowns

The well-orgnanised side will take some beating at Moses Mabhida stadium.

“Obviously delighted with the scoreline and result, it’s never easy to come to this stadium and play such a talented and quality team, and come away with a clean sheet and win,” said Barker.

“I just felt that we started the game really well, and we were a little unlucky with one or two transitions not to get an early goal, I think our tactical awareness and discipline was really spot on this evening.

“I thought our tactics of trying to deny them opportunities to control the game totally, we tried to be on the front foot and not allow them to have time and space, and utilise the quality they have on the ball.

“So it was never going to be easy to do that for 90 minutes, obviously they’re good enough that in certain situations we pressed and they came out, and we looked a little bit vulnerable, but I can only commend the team for their attitude and commitment this evening.”

Stellies Jayden Adams and Sundowns Themba Zwane battle for the ball. Image: Samuel Shivambu/Backpagepix

Ready to suffer

“I knew we were going to have to suffer during periods of the game, and the players knew it, and those periods of suffering just unites us as a team, and just shows the character this team has.

“And we had to show that in periods of the game – especially the last 15-20 minutes, when Sage Stephens had to pull off some really big saves, so congratulations to him.

“But overall, I think we created enough of our own opportunities and I would like to see the second penalty shout – how close that was or not.

“But to now go away – or ‘home’ [in Durban] for the second leg with an advantage is a big plus for us, but we’re very mindful it’s only ‘half-time’.”

Stellenbosch FC face Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final second leg on Sunday 1 September.

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