Barker: There is still a lot of work to be done against Sundowns ...
Stellenbosch FC will play host to Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Sunday afternoon in the second leg of their 2024 MTN8 semi-final encounter.
The team from the Cape Winelands head into the clash with a narrow first-leg advantage after recording a 1-0 win in the reverse fixture on Wednesday, courtesy of a second-half penalty from Fawaaz Basadien.
“…To go into the second leg with an advantage is a big plus for us, but we are mindful that it is only half-time and that we are up against a really good team,” Barker said following his side’s first-leg triumph.
“The job is not done whatsoever, but credit must be given to our players for their execution [during the first leg].”
Read | Moloisane: Stellenbosch FC is here to competeBasadien’s spot-kick not only earned Stellies the win on the day, but also means the team from the Cape Winelands head into Sunday’s second leg with a priceless away goal to their name.
“…It’s a tricky situation for our opponents,” Barker added. “They have to come out and get a result, so hopefully there will be spaces for us to exploit and attack in the second leg.
“It’s going to be key for us to take the chances we create. If we don’t, it just won’t be possible to defend for 90 minutes. We’re going to have to be brave and continue playing and taking the game to them whenever it is possible.
“There were one or two situations [during the mid-week game] where we should have been more clinical and we may have come away with a bigger lead, but I will take that and be humble enough to accept that a 1-0 win was a massive result, but, there is a lot of work still to be done.”
The MTN8 semi-final second-leg encounter between Stellenbosch FC and Mamelodi Sundowns kicks off at 15h00 and will be broadcast live on both SuperSport PSL and SABC Sport channels.
Tickets are also on sale through TicketPro and can be purchased here at a price of R80.00 per ticket.
