Johnathan Paoli
Tournament underdogs Antalyaspor JPM Cape Town defeated favourites Mamelodi Sundowns FC 1-0 to win the 2026 Bayhill Premier Cup and claim the coveted Roger Clayton Trophy at a packed Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.
In a tense and tactical final, the Cape side held their nerve against the highly rated Sundowns academy side.
Sundowns entered the clash as favourites, but were ultimately undone by a disciplined defensive performance and a decisive moment of attacking quality.
The match unfolded with Sundowns dominating possession for long periods but struggling to break down the Antalyaspor defence, who remained compact and resolute, frustrating wave after wave of attacks.
The breakthrough came after half time, via a goal by Antalyaspor player Lwandle Mdingi that sent the home crowd into raptures, giving the hosts a slender but crucial advantage.
Despite sustained late pressure, the Brazilians were unable to find an equaliser, as Antalyaspor’s defensive structure held firm through the closing stages.
At the final whistle, jubilant scenes erupted as Antalyaspor players and supporters celebrated a historic triumph for the Cape club.
“No one gave us a chance against a team of Sundowns’ calibre. But these boys played with Cape heart. They played for the badge and for every fan in those stands,” Antalyaspor coach Gareth Ncaca said after the match.
The victory caps a memorable campaign for the team, who upset one of the tournament favourites to lift the title.
For Sundowns, the defeat represents a bitter disappointment after an otherwise dominant campaign en route to the final.
Their inability to convert possession into goals proved costly against a side that executed its game plan to perfection.
Earlier in the day, Cape Town Spurs FC secured the Pat Connolly Mid-Section title with a 2-0 victory over Randburg AFC.
Spurs took control early in the first half and extended their lead shortly after the break, effectively putting the result beyond doubt.
Randburg were handed a late opportunity to claw their way back into the contest after being awarded a penalty in the dying minutes, but the spot kick was saved, sealing the result for the Cape side.
In the Bruyns Plate Section Final, Rygersdal FC delivered a commanding performance to defeat Hout Bay United FC 4-0, completing a dominant display.
The emphatic win carried added significance as Rygersdal celebrated their 50th anniversary, turning what began as an uncertain campaign into a memorable triumph.
Having entered the knockout stages as the best third-placed team, they seized their opportunity with both hands.
“Great achievement for the club as we celebrate our 50th anniversary. When we received the invitation, we were not sure how the squad would come together in such a short period, but we planned meticulously and it showed in the final,” club chairman Justin Asher said.
Asher credited the coaching staff for their ability to adapt following a difficult start to the tournament.
“We have to give it to the coaching team who worked together throughout the tournament to bounce back after the first game and win the Bruyns Plate Final,” he said.
INSIDE EDUCATION
