Tshatshingo Potholes rose to the occasion and unexpectedly held the log leaders, Mukula Avalon, to a goalless draw in their Thulamela Local Football Association League match played at the Tshidzivhe grounds on Saturday.
The absence of Dakalo Tshikosi in the Potholes' midfield was evident from the start. Tshikosi watched the game from the touchline. He was still nursing a head injury that he sustained in their game against Muhuyu XI Experience at the Khubvi Benjies grounds two weeks ago.
Potholes had nobody but themselves to blame for the unimpressive results. They squandered numerous scoring opportunities in the game. Realizing that their scoring chances were slim, Avalon effected the first change to their starting 11 when the game was 18 minutes old. They introduced Lufuno Mudau and sacrificed Trevor Davhana, who was looking weary from the onset.
Potholes' fast forward, Tshenzhelani Maboho, could not live up to the fans' expectations as he was tightly marked. The only time Maboho came close to scoring in the first half was when he received a pre-cooked pass from Thendo Tshivhase in the 29th minute and forced his way through the defense of Avalon before trying his luck with a half volley. The ball went wide.
Potholes replaced Fhulufhedzani Netshiluvhi and Thavha Netshidzivhe with Nakisani Netshilungwi and Humbulani Davhula respectively. Davhula soon realized that it was not his day when he squandered two clear chances in a row. He caused an upset in the 74th minute by shooting wide with the keeper already beaten. The game turned lukewarm in the last 10 minutes as the teams played defensive football.