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Rise And Shine deny Matsatsantsa victory

football26 April 2025 15:15| © Backpage TXT
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SuperSport United claimed a potentially vital point in their battle for Betway Premiership survival after drawing 1-1 with Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

Matsatsantsa hit the front for the second game in succession when Christian Saile found the back of the net with a header on 19 minutes, but they had to settle for a share of the spoils once more after Lebohang Nkaki equalised from the penalty spot six minute for halftime.

Andre Arendse's side climbed up to 14th place ahead of Cape Town City on goal difference, while Rise And Shine dropped down to seventh position after AmaZulu beat Golden Arrows 1-0 in a concurrent match.

Phuti Mohafe's side were looking to snap a two-game losing streak in a bid to keep their top-three hopes alive, while Andre Arendse went in search of his win at the helm of SuperSport after picking up two points from his first two outings in charge.

The visitors created the better chances in the first half, forcing Brian Bwire to make two saves and they were celebrating the lead on 19 minutes.

The decision to play Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations-bound Neo Rapoo was an inspired one as the 19-year-old left-back was due to link up with the Amajita squad in Egypt after the league game.

Rapoo set up the goal with a fine cross for Saile, who headed home the second goal of his loan spell from Kaizer Chiefs to put Matsatsantsa in the driver's seat.

However, Phuti Mohafe's side were level before the break after being awarded a penalty, which was converted by Nkaki on 39 minutes for his third goal of the season.

The Tshwane giants piled on the pressure in the second half as they pushed for a second goal, but their finishing let them down as Bwire was only tested once from the six shots attempted.

Rise And Shine fashioned three good opportunities themselves, although Ricardo Goss was on hand to deny them each time to ensure that Arendse's unbeaten record remained intact.

Polokwane City (1) 1 (L. Nkaki 39' PEN)

SuperSport United (1) 1 (Saile 19')

POLOKWANE CITY: B. Bwire, S. Manthosi, B. Nikani, L. Nkaki, L. Ndlovu, N. Maphangule, M. Kambala, M. Ramabu, N. Raphadu, O. Appollis (P. Marema 52', M. Batlhabane 86'), B. Dlamini.

SUPERSPORT UNITED: R. Goss, N. Mobbie (P. Sanoka 81'), I. Okon, T. Hlatshwayo, N. Rapoo, G. Moralo, S. Ndlovu, V. Pule (S. Nurkovic 81'), L. Maboe (K. Ayer 46'), C. Saile (T. Dzvukamanja 85'), B. Grobler.

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