Fawaaz Basadien scores a worldie as Stellenbosch pummel City in ...

Fawaaz Basadien etched his name into derby folklore with a stunning goal from his own half, sealing an incredible league Western Cape derby victory for Stellenbosch over Cape Town City on Wednesday, 25 February 2024, at Athlone Stadium. (Roger Sedres/Gallo Images)

Stellenbosch FC showcased their clinical edge in front of goal as they dismantled Cape Town City 3-0 in a midweek league clash on Wednesday, turning the Western Cape derby into a one-sided affair under the night skies and floodlights of Athlone Stadium.

The Cape Winelands outfit came into the match boasting an impressive average of two goals per game over their last eight fixtures, including competitions like the MTN8 and CAF Confederation Cup.

With a total of 16 goals scored, Steve Barker's troops' attacking prowess was evident, setting the stage for a potentially dominant performance in their ninth match of the season.

City, however, have struggled in recent outings, suffering defeat in the MTN8 semi-final against Orlando Pirates and agonisingly missing out on a league victory on the opening day against Royal AM.

Despite leading for almost the entire match, they conceded a late equaliser to Sera Motebang just six minutes from full-time.

For a club that has invested heavily in the prolonged transfer window that closed last Friday, a positive result in the Cape derby would have been the perfect remedy for Eric Tinkler.

Unfortunately for City, Stellenbosch have proven to be a well-oiled machine, and they showcased their strength and cohesion at Athlone Stadium, leaving little room for City to mount a comeback.

From the outset, Stellies meant business, and within three minutes, they made their intentions clear.

Jayden Adams, who was again named in the preliminary Bafana Bafana squad for Afcon qualifiers against Congo, set the tone with a perfectly timed pass to Devin Titus.

Titus, eyeing glory, ignored the tempting option of passing to Ashley Cupido and instead took the shot himself, missing the target by mere inches.

City quickly retaliated, with Jaedin Rhodes setting up Darwin Gonzalez, whose powerful strike was expertly saved by Sage Stephens.

The Citizens then mounted relentless attacks, forcing Stellenbosch into a defensive stance.

Ismael Toure battled fiercely, picking up a yellow card as City pressed hard. But despite City's control, Stellenbosch held firm, waiting for their moment.

That moment came on the stroke of half-time. City goalkeeper Darren Keet's clearance fell short, triggering a Stellies counter.

Fortune Makaringe's pass was intercepted by Sanele Barnes, who acrobatically kept the ball in play. A quick flick to Adams followed, whose backheel found Andre De Jong.

From just outside the box, De Jong unleashed a venomous strike that swerved past Keet, putting Stellenbosch 1-0 ahead in dramatic fashion.

It was a goal that changed the script for Tinkler and his charges.

After the break, City came out strong but couldn't break Stellenbosch's organised defence.

Then, just when it seemed City might regain control, Fawaaz Basadien delivered the moment of the match.

Spotting Keet off his line, Basadien struck an audacious 60-yard shot from his own half. The ball sailed over the retreating goalkeeper and nestled into the net, leaving Athlone Stadium in awe.

With City rattled, Stellenbosch delivered the final blow.

On the hour mark, Ashley Cupido whipped in a superb cross, and Sanele Barnes rose to head it home, sealing a stunning victory.

Stellenbosch's dominant display earned them bragging rights in the Cape derby once more, cementing their growing reputation as a football powerhouse coming from a town better known for vineyards and rugby.

The win sees Stellenbosch recover from their opening league day defeat to Golden Arrows as they can now focus on Sekhukhune United on Sunday before having their eyes pierced on the MTN8 final in Durban against Orlando Pirates.

For Tinkler and his troops, as dark clouds continue to follow their every move, they have the chance to redeem themselves at the same venue on Saturday against SuperSport United.