No separating Stellenbosch & Sekhukhune United again
There was once again no separating Stellenbosch FC and Sekhukhune United as the two sides played out a 1-1 draw in their DStv Premiership encounter on Wednesday evening.
The first real chance of the half fell in the 15th minute when Iqraam Rayners picked out Devin Titus with a perfectly weighted pass, but the 22-year-old was denied by a strong save by Badra Ali Sangaré from a tight angle.
Sekhukhune United responded with a chance from Elias Mokwana who capitalised on a mistake from Ismaël Touré to fire at goal, but his effort was comfortably saved by Stellies shot-stopper, Sage Stephens.
Rayners’ industry continued to cause problems at the other end of the pitch though, and the striker played an instrumental role in Stellies’ opening goal just before half-time.
After a brilliant passage of build-up play, the Bafana Bafana international squared the ball for Anicet Oura who made no mistake in firing a half-volley beyond the reach of Sangaré to give Stellies a first-half lead.
Sekhukhune United came out strong in the second half in search of an equaliser and the Maroons were made to absorb more pressure than they had in the first stanza, defending manfully to deny the hosts.
Read | Stellenbosch FC to play Mamelodi Sundowns in Nedbank Cup semi-finals
That defensive resoluteness almost opened the path for a second goal at the other end when Oura broke clear in search of his second, only to be denied by a good, low from Sangaré.
Devin Titus looked ready to pounce on the rebound but was foiled at the last moment as Sekhukhune United somehow managed to clear the ball away from impending danger.
With the match drawing to a close, Titus picked out Rayners with a raking through ball but the striker’s first touch forced him wide and the opposing ‘keeper was able to clear the loose ball.
The hosts then found a late equaliser through substitute Chibuike Ohizu who rose highest to head home a well-directed cross to draw matters level heading into the final minutes of the encounter.
Both teams pushed to find a match-winning goal but neither was able to land the decisive blow, ultimately settling for a share of the spoils on a cold evening in Polokwane.