Stellenbosch extended their unbeaten run to 22 matches after playing to a 1-1 draw against Sekhukhune United in the DStv Premiership encounter on Wednesday evening.
DStv Premiership
Result: Sekhukhune United 1-1 Stellenbosch FC
Date: 17 April 2024
Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium
Stellies made two changes following their thumping victory over SuperSport United in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals, as goalkeeper Sage Stephens and Thabo Moloisane were recalled.
Sekhukhune, on the other hand, had one enforced change from the line-up that drew with the same side, as Thamsanqa Masiya took the place of the suspended Jamie Webber.
The Cape Winelands outfit settled the quickest as Devon Titus had the first clear chance of the game on 15 minutes with a strike in the box that drew sharp save from goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare.
Babina Noko were also asking questions as seven minutes later Elias Mokwana carved out a chance for himself after turning brilliantly in the box but his shot was well saved by Stephens.
However, Steve Barker's charges went ahead just before the interval as Anicet Oura fired home a strike after he was picked out by Iqraam Rayners.
Lehlohonolo Seema made a tactical and attacking change at half-time as he brought on Chibuike Ohizu in place of Thamsanqa Masiya.
Ohizu had a chance to equalise for Sekhukhune eight minutes later with a header in the box that missed just wide.
The visitors took a cautious approach with 20 minutes to go, with a defensive change, as Nhlanhla Mgaga replaced Andre de Jong.
Babina Noko had the momentum in the closing stages and with 12 minutes to go, Tresor Yamba had a chance with a thumping shot that was smothered by Stephens.
United's pressure finally paid off four minutes before time after Ohizu levelled matters with a header from a cross by Asekho Tiwani, earning his side a share of the spoils.
As a result, Sekhukhune remained four points behind second-placed Stellenbosch.
Here's how they lined up:
Sekhukhune United: 30. Sangare, 2. Mobbie, 36. Ntiya-Ntiya, 4. Cardoso, 29. Tshibwabwa, 12. Mokotjo, 17. Mokwana, 20. Masiya, 23. Mntambo, 15. Mkhize, 10. Mncube
Subs: 32. Mtsweni, 43. Tiwani, 22. Rikhotso, 6. Mtshali, 48. Sifama, 45. Mohamme, 35. Mahlangu, 47. Carnell, 34. Ohizu
Stellenbosch FC: 17. Stephens, 45. Toure, 21. Basadien, 7. Van Rooyen, 8. Nduli, 24. Moloisane, 23. Adams, 18. De Jong, 14. Oura, 34. Titus, 9. Rayners
Subs: 30. Masuluke, 26. Mcaba, 22. Sibande, 10. Mgaga, 27. Jurgens, 29. Van Wyk, 28. Palace, 19. Boji, 11. Colley
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