Mamelodi Sundowns ended 2017 at the summit of the PSL log despite going down to Cape Town City in an Absa Premiership clash at Loftus Stadium in Tshwane on Tuesday evening.
The Brazilians settled into a rhythm from the get-go as they aimed to take off from where they left off over the past weekend.
But, the Citizens have built up quite the reputation against their more illustrious hosts and a familiar pattern would emerge as Akosah-Bempa handed the visitors the lead with 27 minutes on the clock.
A trademark counter-attack was rounded off by the Ghanaian forward, who latched onto a ball from the ever-dangerous Aubrey Ngoma for his first goal in City blue and gold.
The Brazilians went in immediate search for parity and after Percy Tau called Sage Stephens into action with a rasping drive, Hlompho Kekana conjured the home side’s best chance of the half.
The Sundowns skipper launched a powerful free-kick at goal, but Stephens was up to the task to deny the Bafana Bafana midfielder in the 36th minute.
City, though, were holding their own and went close to doubling their lead five minutes later, but Denis Onyango proved once more why he is considered as one of, if not the best goalkeeper on the African continent with a brilliant save.
Pitso Mosimane’s troops found it difficult to kick into their usual tempo in the second half with City doing well to keep the hosts within arm’s length.
Themba Zwane squandered a golden chance to pull Bafana Ba Style level in the 72nd minute, but failed to hit the target from close range as Sundowns grew increasingly frustrated.
That frustration would continue to increase as Mosimane’s men continued to knock at the City door with no reward.
Mamelodi Sundowns (0) 0
Cape Town City (1) 1 (Akosah-Bempa 27′)
Mamelodi Sundowns: Onyango; Langerman, Arendse (Hachi 90+2′), S.Zwane – Manyisa, Kekana (Ngele 87′), Mabunda, Morena – Tau, T.Zwane Sekotlong (Zakri 73′).
Cape Town City: Stephens; Edmilson, Johannes, Fielies, Mkhize – Nodada, Putsche, Ngoma (Modise 46′) – Lakay (Obinna 74′), Martin (Kobola 87′), Akosah-Bempa.
