Sekhukhune United Football Club managed to put on a brave effort to come from behind to hold TS Galaxy FC to a 1-1 draw in Mbombela Stadium. The away game was Babina Noko’s last round of fixtures in the DSTV Premiership before Qatar’s 2022 FIFA World cup.
Coming from a disappointing result in Durban against Chippa United, anything but a loss would be welcomed, and would steer the club from the bottom of the table.
The best opportunity for the team in the first half fell to Tlotlo Leepile who was awarded a free kick in a promising position but his shot was well blocked by the rocket’s defensive wall.
The visitors controlled the tempo as they enjoyed more possession, but the hosts’ defence maintained its shape, depriving them of clear-cut chances.
Vusimuzi Mncube had an opportunity to get a goal for Babina Noko in the 17th minute of the first half when he made a solo run into the visitors’ box but could not find a way past Melusi Buthelezi’s hand.
The Rockets got their opener 26 minutes into the first half after Xola Mlambo finished from a rebound of Bernard Parker ‘s thunderous shot.
Babina Noko got an opportunity for an equalizer after being awarded a penalty in the 35th minute, which was calmly converted by Victor Letsoalo.
The second half was end to end with both teams showing good intentions to walk away with all 3 points, with the best opportunity falling to the visitors in the dying minutes, a poor attempt by Madonsela ending what could have been a dramatic finish to the game. In the end, both teams walked away with a point each.
Babina Noko’s captain Linda Mntambo’s effort earned him a Man of the Match award.
The result means Sekhukhune United moves up to 15th position in the log standings with 11 points after 12 matches.
Sekhukhune United Football Club will return to DStv Premiership action on the 31st of December 2022 where they will host AmaZulu Football Club at New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
XI: Ntsabatha, Mkhabela, Cardoso, Ntiya-Ntiya, Motsepe, Mntambo, Leepile (Mahlangu 64’), Mokwana (Madonsela 80’), Shai (Morries 70’), Letsoalo, Mncube (Masiya 80’)
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