Zoutpansberg Powerline and Manavhela Black Aces played to 1-all draw in their MMK Administrators league match played at Tshiozwi on Sunday.
Aces relied on their experienced strikers, Takalani Mphaphuli and Azwihamgwisi Mathelemusa for goals but unfortunately the duo were tightly marked. Mpahaphuli beat the offside-trap in the 10th minute and unleashed a half volley. The ball went far wide, much to the fans' disappointment.
That was a wake-up call to the Powerline. They initiated several promising moves from behind, which were all intercepted as they entered the opposition's danger area. Aces did not lose hope, despite the fact that it was difficult for them to find their way through the defence of Powerline.
Powerline finally broke the deadlock in the 44th minute. Domenic Mafuleni tried his luck from the edge of the box with a volley. Aces introduced their vastly experienced defender, Takalani Mandiwana Tshanduko Nkhumeleni, and sacrificed Thendo Rabulanyana and Georgie Setjie in the 48th minute.
The wheel of fortune turned in favour of the home side in the 66th minute. A defender of Powerline handled the ball in a mix-up within the box. That prompted the referee to award a direct free kick to Aces. Nicolus Minyuku made no mistake from the spot. Realizing that their strikers were showing no appetite for goals, Minyuku abandoned his position to assist the strikers.
Powerline came close to scoring again in the 85th minute. Their right winger, Nyathi Netshiendeulu, received a neat pass from Takalani Sadiki and ran towards the right corner from where he dished a square pass. The pass was intercepted before the ball entered the penalty box. Both sides played defensive football for the remaining part of the game.