MTN8 Semi-Final Report: Polokwane City v Highlands Park 31 August 2019

Rise and Shine coach Zlatko Krmpotic gave the likes of Puleng Tlolane, Mthokozisi Nene and Lesiba Nku a run in the team, while the Lions of the North were unchanged from their win over AmaZulu on Tuesday, with Tendai Ndoro and Peter Shalulile leading the front-line.   City got off to a slow start as goalkeeper Mwenya Chibwe was put under a lot of pressure in the early exchanges, by Highlands' set-pieces inside the box and he appeared not comfortable with the long balls in his area.   Owen Da Gama's charges were still had the upper hand at the midway point, with defender Ryan Rae finding opportunities with his trademark long throw-ins but the visitors could not yet punish the unsettled Chibwe, while Mothobi Mvala squandered a glorious chance with a free header from 10-yards out.   Rise and Shine got into the match in the closing stages of the first stanza with their passing game and Tlolane almost broke the deadlock with a long range strike three minutes before the break but his effort was smothered by goalkeeper Thela Ngobeni.   The hosts started the second stanza the way they ended the first half, attacking with pace going forward as Nicolas Motloung found the breakthrough three minutes after the break with a header at the near post that was bravely kept out by Ngobeni in a crowded area.   However, neither side had the momentum with 22 minutes remaining and Da Gama brought on Enocent Mkhabela in place of Luckyboy Mokoena, while Sibusiso Hlubi came on for Nku moments later for the home side.   The encounter was on the edge though in the closing phases as the sides were sensing chances to steal the winner but they lacked the final product as the encounter ended all square.   The second-leg clash is set to take place just after the international break, on Tuesday 17 September 2019.