Sekhukhune United Football Club and Stellenbosch Football Club played to a 1-1 draw in their DStv Premiership match at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday afternoon.
Babina Noko pressed on in the opening stages of the first half, earning themselves a free-kick in a dangerous position, but the host was unable to make the most of the opportunity.
Siyabulela Shai gets what could have been Babina Noko’s first shot at goal which was on target when he chipped a pass from the middle but he could not find the target. Thirteen minutes into the first half chances kept falling for Babina Noko but they were unable to find the net.
Stellies were dominated in the first half when it comes to ball possession, however the best chance for the visitors fell for Junior Leandro Mendieta, but his header was fantastically tipped over the crossbar by Babina Noko’s goalkeeper Ali Sangare.
Babina Noko eventually broke the deadlock towards the end of the first half after Tshegofatso Mabasa guided a low strike into the bottom corner,
SKUFC goalkeeper Sangare positioned himself well to deny Mendieta another goal-scoring opportunity just moments later in the first half.
Stellies side replied in the 52nd minute when Sinethemba Mngomezulu found the back of the net after his wonderful curler towards the far post through a ball by Mendieta. 60th minute into the second half both teams found themselves engaging in a much calmer approach after the high-paced first half.
The battle to get the lead from both sides continued with Elias Mokwana having the best chance to put Babina Noko ahead in the 66th minute after he pulled clear on goal but he guided a high strike into the side netting.
However, Linda Mntambo should have snatched the winner for Babina Noko but he miscued his shot into the body of Langeveldt.
In the end, both teams have to settle for a 1-all draw.
XI: Sangare, Cardoso, Mobbie, Yamba Yamba, Ntiya-Ntiya, Kabwe (Gyimah 45’), Shai (Mokwana 45’), Mntambo, Mncube, (Molaba 84’), Letsoalo (Morris 77’), Mabasa
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