JOHANNESBURG – Coach Benni McCarthy’s game plan worked to perfection as Cape Town City toppled log-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 in an Absa Premiership clash at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday evening.
American Nana Akosah-Bempah scored the only goal of the game in the 27th minute as City moved to the second spot on the table, four points behind their opponents who finish 2017 atop the log standings.
McCarthy said afterwards: “We frustrated them in the areas we wanted. They knew what the game plan was and it worked to the tee.
“We could have had more than one if we had taken our chances, but you can’t fault the effort. I have to commend the Sundowns fans for what I’m seeing here.
“What a spectacle of South African football. Now I can happily say a happy Christmas for what we’re seeing here today, to them and all the South African fans.
“We had a pressing zone where we came out not to allow Hlompho Kekana and (Tiyani) Mabunda to get on the ball as easily and be able to pick out those passes.
Captains Robyn Johannes and Hlompho Kekana battle in the air at Loftus Versfeld. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
“The whole team really worked hard for each other. I think we are the deserved winners of the three points inasmuch as Sundowns had the possession.
“I think we were in control, they didn’t hurt us in places they could have punished us, so I’m very happy with the performance.”
City’s first fixture of 2018 is an away encounter against struggling Platinum Stars on January 6.