Cape Town City had too much firepower for Stellenbosch in Tuesday's Western Cape derby at the Danie Craven Stadium, running out convincing 2-1 winners.
The visitors did all the damage in the first half, netting twice in the space of 10 minutes to land a double blow the hosts were unable to recover from. Stellenbosch would score a consolation goal deep into second-half injury time with virtually the final kick of the match, but it had no impact on the final result.
The victory moves Cape Town City into third place on the Absa Premiership table, three points behind Swallows, who also won their fixture against struggling Maritzburg United on the night. As for Stellies, a third loss of the season sees them remain in eighth place, nine points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Citizens seemed to have the measure of their opponents right from the first whistle on this occasion. Thato Mokeke and Mduduzi Mdantsane combined brilliantly to create an opening chance after just three minutes, and it was only the crossbar that came to Stellenbosch's rescue.
Mokeke continued to be a thorn in the opposition's side, while Tashreeq Morris and Thabo Nodada were also making their presence felt, forcing Robyn Johannes to intervene.
With 20 minutes gone on the clock, City finally made all that pressure count when Nodada teed up Mdantsane, who unleashed a curling shot into the back of the net to make it 1-0.
And there was more trouble to come for Stellenbosch shortly before the half-hour mark when Surprise Ralani played an inviting cross into the box which Craig Martin happily buried in the back of the net for his side's second goal.
Stellenbosch would have been hopeful of using their home advantage to mount a comeback in the second half, but in truth City's lead was never really seriously threatened.
Nodada continued to impress in the midfield, with the Citizens now happy to sit back and try and hit Stellies on the break.
The home side did manage to create a solid chance early in the second half when City goalkeeper Peter Leeuwenburgh tried to swat away an incoming cross and succeeded only in setting up a chance for Stanley Dimgba, but his shot flew wide.
City brought on Mpho Makola midway through the second half to further stabilise the midfield, and chances certainly proved few and far between for Stellenbosch, even though they continued to fight for every ball.
Their hard work would eventually pay off when a classy move led to a consolation goal for Nathan Sinkala right at the death, but there was no time to go in search of an equaliser and City held on for the well-deserved win.
- TEAMtalk media