City grab a slender advantage

● Taariq Fielies scored the only goal as Cape Town City defeated a much-changed Mamelodi Sundowns to take the early advantage in their MTN8 semifinal first leg encounter at a wet and cold Cape Town Stadium yesterday.

The game had few clear-cut opportunities but the best fell to the home side, who were good value for the win as they seek to repeat their final appearance in this competition last season.

Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane made nine changes to his side from the team held 0-0 by Highlands Park in midweek, resting a number of his top stars ahead of the mustwin African Champions League encounter with Guinea side Horoya on Tuesday.

Only right-back Anele Ngcongca and striker Jose Ali Meza were retained, while there was a first start for Guinea-Bissau international Toni Silva and young midfielder Sphelele Mkhulise.

Lucky Mohomi also made a first start for the club in 15 months, while on the City side former Sundowns stalwart Teko Modise began a game for the first time since the opening day of the season.

Anthony Laffor had the ball in the back of the net on 26 minutes but the “goal” was ruled out for offside.

Sundowns’ Lebohang Maboe fired over from the edge of the box after a well-worked corner routine and at the other end Fielies failed to get on the end of an excellent Ayanda Patosi set piece.

City were inches from taking the lead early in the second period when great persistence from Thabo Nodada set up a chance for Craig Martin, whose back-heeled effort dribbled the wrong side of the post.

Martin then shot wide from the edge of the box in what was a lively start to the half from the home side, but it was Sundowns who came closest to the opener when Mkhulise struck the crossbar with a curling shot from the edge of the box.

Home captain Thami Mkhize put an inviting ball across the Sundowns box that was missed by three teammates in the middle, before City did take the lead.

Patosi’s corner was headed across goal at the back post by Matthew Rusike and Fielies had plenty of time to crash the ball home.

Patosi was then denied by a brilliant stop from Mweene as City threatened a second, while Ngcongca hit the bar with a header, but City will take their advantage to the Lucas Moripe Stadium next Sunday.