With just two games to go, excitement is at boiling point in the GladAfrica Championship after Royal AM overpowered TS Sporting 2-1, Sekhukhune United and Free State Stars recorded 1-0 wins over Cape United and Uthongathi FC respectively, while Richards Bay FC suffered a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of a more-determined JDR Stars.
Furthermore, Jomo Cosmos are completely out of contention for promotion following their 1-0 loss to University of Pretoria and Pretoria Callies secured themselves safety for another season with a similar win over troubled Cape Town Spurs.
The match between Royal and Abantu Bemthetho in Chatsworth was initially a see-saw affair as both sides netted in the first half via Kabelo Mahlasela and Quentin Debouto, respectively.
However, the KZN outfit took charge during the final dramatic fifteen minutes, when Sporting's Sbonelo Ngubane was red carded and a team mate put the ball through his own goalkeeper, which enabled the hosts to claim a 47th point.
The Spirited Ones were undone by Sonwabile Mfecane's penalty at the Makhulong Stadium, while Mpho Khabane's 5th goal of the season gave Ea Lla Koto some hope against the Cane Cutters.
The Hammer Boys opened their scoring in the 2nd minute via Elias Monene but were later pegged back when the Natal Rich Boyz netted from a curving-corner ball expertly send over by Khanyisa Mayo. Temptation Chiwunga then put the issue beyond doubt by bagging a penalty.
These results mean that it's still mathematically possible for any of the top seven outfits to be promoted.
Already-relegated Bizana Pondo Chiefs were beaten 2-0 by Polokwane City, while Cape Town All Stars and Steenberg United played to a goalless draw, which leaves both sides uncertain of their futures.
