After winning their first three matches, Bilika All Stars wrapped up their SAB League provincial promotional play-off matches by sharing the glory with Mukula Young Santos at the Giyani Stadium on Sunday afternoon. They played to a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Mukula Young Santos did not lose hope, despite the fact that they were trailing 0-3 at some stage.
Although the nine points they had accumulated in their first three matches were good enough to make them the best team in the tournament, All Stars did not leave anything to chance in their game against Young Santos. They took the game to their opponents from the first whistle, with their midfielders making sure that their strikers got enough supply from time to time.
The hosts opened their account in the 19th minute after several attempts. Themba Makondo was on target with a volley. The keeper of Young Santos, Ronewa Mavhungu, watched helplessly as the ball hit the back of the net. A few minutes later, Referee Given Lekata warned Themba Chauke of All Stars with a card for a late tackle on Robert Baloyi.
All Stars increased the margin in the 29th minute. Japhta Nephali beat the Santos keeper with a close-range ground cutter to bring the half-time score to 2-0. All Stars continued to play entertaining football in the last half. Their third goal came in the 54th minute when Rito Tshuma scored from the edge of the penalty box.
Mukula Young Santos pulled one back through Jacob Ramudzuli, who came on as a substitute for Vhahangwele Tshifhango. They were awarded two penalties in quick succession after Vuwani Masakona and Jacob Ramudzuli were brought down within the box in the 67th and 74th minute respectively. Ronewa Mavhungu converted both from the white spot.
Young Santos drew 2-2 with both Sekhukhune Arsenal and A1 Terrors and lost 0-2 to Boyne Young Tigers in their first three matches, two of which were played on Saturday.