Polokwane City FC left it late to secure a narrow win over Stellenbosch FC, while TS Galaxy and Magesi FC settled for a draw in Betway Premiership matches on Sunday.
At the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Manuel Kambala was the toast of the day as his 90th-minute goal ensured maximum points for the Phuti Mohafe-coached side.
Stellies started the match with a high impetus, and Wonderboy Makhubu got their first chance, but his left-footer was parried away by Polokwane City FC goalkeeper Lindokuhle Mathebula.
Langelihle Phili almost hit the target from close range, but his low shot from outside the box was blocked, having been picked up by Devin Titus in a promising position.
Polokwane City’s Thabang Matuludi also won a free-kick in a good position, but it was wasted. Nevertheless, the two teams could not be separated at half-time. And even when play resumed for the second half, much of the play was concentrated in the midfield.
But the turning point of the match came in the 90th minute, when Kambala darted the ball home from a cross that was whipped into the box by Puleng Marema. As such, Polokwane City gained maximum points in sixth place with 37 points from 25 games. Stellies are ninth on the table with 32 points from 26 games.
TS GALAXY, MAGESI SETTLE FOR A DRAW IN PULSATING ENCOUNTER
At Mbombela Stadium, TS Galaxy and Magesi FC settled for a share of the spoils in what was a pulsating encounter. Former Kaizer Chiefs star Bernard Parker took charge of TS Galaxy following the midweek sacking of Adnan Beganoviฤ.
His mission was simple: to halt the 10-match winless run in the league and get the team back to winning ways, but it was not to be. As such, they started the match with confidence, with Igor Silva forcing Magesi FC goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze to make a timely save to keep the ball away after four minutes.
Mlungisi Mbunjana also forced another save after six minutes, after nodding a cross that was delivered by Sphesihle Maduna. On the other hand, Sifiso Luthuli of Magesi FC had a good chance of scoring, but his effort was easily collected by Ira Tapรฉ.
Luthuli almost beat Tapรฉ with a header in the 16th minute, but his effort missed the target by inches. However, there was no goal to separate the two teams at the break.
The scoreline remains the same, as both teams wasted chance after chance and eventually settled for a share of the spoils.
As a result of the draw, Galaxy occupy the 12th position with 26 points from 26 games, while Magesi sit precariously above the relegation zone in 14th place with 21 points from 27 games.
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