Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker has described Tuesday’s clash against Sekhukhune United as a game of two halves after being held to a draw in Polokwane.

The team from the Cape Winelands extended their unbeaten run to 22 matches across all competitions after playing out a 1-1 draw away to Sekhukhune United in their DStv Premiership encounter on Tuesday evening.

Stellies came within minutes of claiming all three points after taking a first-half lead through Anicet Oura, but were denied by a late equaliser from Babina Noko striker Chibuike Ohizu.

Match report | No separating Stellenbosch and Sekhukhune United again

“It’s a bit tough when you concede as late as that, but it was maybe a game of two halves,” Barker reflected after the match.

“I thought in the first half we really played well and dominated the ball, dominated the game, and created some really good chances.

“Our front-four’s movement caused them problems and with a little bit of luck we could have got a second goal before half-time, but as it was we went in with a 1-0 lead at the break.

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“In the second half, they changed their game plan a little bit and made a couple of subs, went man-on-man in midfield, and threw numbers forward.

“We had a chance from a goal-mouth scramble, and if that goes over the line it’s a 2-0 game which makes it more difficult for them, but it wasn’t to be.

“Then credit to them because they threw caution to the wind and numbers forward, and played with a lot of energy.

“This was our second game in four days and I thought we looked a little bit fatigued in the last 15-20 minutes, so it was just a matter of trying to hold out until the end which we unfortunately didn’t.

“We seem to draw a lot against Sekhukhune United but it’s not a bad point to get away from home, especially with another big away game coming on Sunday against TS Galaxy in Mbombela.

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“These two games away were always going to be a big challenge for us so if we can come away from them with some points, hopefully with three points against Galaxy, would put us in a really strong position.

“We need to regenerate and rejuvenate physically and mentally over the next couple of days before we travel for that game.”