Tshikota Chelsea and Mpheni Home Defenders played to a 2-all draw in their MMK Administrators league match played at Tshikota on Saturday.
Defenders were lucky not to concede an avalanche of goals during the first half. Chelsea displayed entertaining football, with Defenders running for cover for most of the first half. In the seventh minute, Chelsea's striker, Mpasopi, caught the Defenders' keeper, Bongani Makwala, napping and beat him with a long-range ground cutter.
Defenders gained momentum towards the end of the first half. Dakalo Nwanamidwa dribbled past three defenders in a row, but shot wide from close range. It took Chelsea 38 minutes to increase the margin. Takalani Murwanthi forced his way through the defence of Defenders and dished a square pass to Rendani Siphuma, who was in the perfect scoring position. Murwanthi headed home after the keeper of Defenders missed the ball.
Eric Sefularo of Defenders was reprimanded with a card for a late tackle on Madume Madida in the 65th minute. Defenders were awarded a free kick in the 35-meter area seven minutes later. Defenders then started to initiate promising moves from behind. They reduced the deficit when Peter Sithole beat the keeper with a volley.
Melvin Mabatha scored the second goal for Defenders two minutes before the final whistle. He beat the keeper with a half volley and blasted in a rocket after a rebound.