SuperSport, Polokwane draw 1-1

by Graeme Jackson

Tuesday Oct 02, 2018. 21:49

SuperSport United were unable to bounce back from their MTN8 disappointment with a victory as they were held 1-1 by Polokwane City at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday.

The Absa Premiership clash ended all square, with Matsatsantsa claiming the lead through Aubrey Modiba, but an own goal from Siyabonga Nhlapo ensured Rise and Shine earned a share of the spoils.

SuperSport claimed the lead just 10 minutes after the kick-off, with Aubrey Modiba sending a superb strike direct from a free kick beyond the reach of City goalkeeper George Chigova.

Yet Polokwane will feel they should have had the advantage from an earlier chance presented to the prolific Rodney Ramagalela, but the striker was denied by a world-class save from United shot-stopper Ronwen Williams.

Just past the midway point of the first half the Tshwane side created a fine chance for midfielder Teboho Mokoena, but this time Chigova was able to keep out the effort on target.

Rise and Shine levelled the game just after the half-hour mark, with a dangerous free kick from Jabulani Maluleke glanced into his own net by unfortunate SuperSport defender Siyabong Nhlapo, leaving the game at 1-1 heading into half time.

The first notable attack of the second half came from Polokwane, with Ramagalela getting the better of Williams with a long range effort in the 54th minute, only to see the ball rebound off the upright.

Just under ten minutes later United needed their goalkeeper to bail them out when a shot deflected off centre-back Bongani Khumalo and was headed for the net, but Williams was able to make an outstanding save.

At the other end of the field, in the 71st minute, United created their first chance of the second half when Teboho Mokoena found himself in space, but his shot at goal was turned away by Chigova. A short while later Mokoena teed up James Keene, but the Englishman volleyed over the crossbar.

The teams will be in league action again this weekend, with City away to Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday and United returning the Limpopo province to play Baroka FC on Sunday.


Polokwane City (1) 1 (Nhlapo og 31’)

SuperSport United (1) 1 (Modiba 10’)


Polokwane: Chigova, Seabi, Motloung, Mvelase, Hlongwane, Nkili, Manaka (Baloyi 75’), J. Maluleke, Musona (Booi 64’), Ramagalela, Anas (Mngomezulu 84’)


SuperSport: Williams, Nhlapo, Gould, Khumalo, Bhasera, Phala, Mbule (Furman 59’), Ntshangase, Modiba, Mokoena, Keene