Sekhukhune United have now gone six games without a win in the DStv Premiership after drawing 1-1 with Stellenbosch FC on Saturday evening.
DStv Premiership
Result: Sekhukhune United 1-1 Stellenbosch
Date: 17 September 2022
Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium
Sekhukhune made three changes from their goalless draw against Cape Town City, as Congolese defender Tresor Yamba got his debut in place of Edwin Gyimah, alongside recalls for Vusimuzi Mncube and Roderick Kabwe.
Stellies, meanwhile, made only one alteration from their win over Swallows, as German defender Lasse Sobiech returned in place of the injured Mogamad De Goede.
The game got off to a bright start and Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens almost handed Babina Noko the lead on the first quarter-hour mark after he spilled a cross by Nyiko Mobbie but Sibongiseni Mthethwa made a crucial clearance.
Steve Barker's charges had spaces behind Sekhukhune defence on transitions and Sinethemba Mngomezulu had a chance on 33 minutes after a cross by Antonio Van Wyk but he guided his header slightly over the top corner.
Kaitano Tembo's troops eventually broke the deadlock towards the end of the first stanza after Tshegofatso Mabasa guided a low strike into the bottom corner, with Stephens on the ground after he collided with Mncube. Stephens did not return in the second stanza after he got a knock on the head and he was replaced by Lee Langeveldt.
The visitors quickly settled in the second stanza as Mngomezulu eventually restored parity with a low curler towards the far post after a through ball by Junior Mendieta.
The battle to get the lead from the sides was on after that and Elias Mokwana had a big chance to put Sekhukhune ahead on 66 minutes after he pulled clear on goal on the far side but he guided a high strike into the side-netting, with only Langeveldt to beat.
Barker refreshed his attack with a triple change moments later as Judas Moseamedi, Jayden Adams and Devon Titus entered the fray.
Sekhukhune were more threatening going forward in the latter stages but they were reduced to ten men seven minutes before time after Yamba got a second yellow card and was sent off.
However, Linda Mntambo should have snatched the winner for Babina Noko a couple of minutes later after he peeled off clear on goal from a chip by Mncube but he miscued his shot in into the body of Langeveldt, who gathered the loose ball.
Stellies managed the game in the tail end despite having a numerical advantage, as the sides settled for a point apiece.
Here's how they line up:
Sekhukhune United: Sangare, Mobbie, Cardoso, Yamba, Ntiya-Ntiya, Kabwe, Shai, Mntambo, Mncube, Letsoalo, Mabasa,
Subs: Mtshweni, Gyimah, Mokwana, Morris, Makhubu, Mkhabela, Molaba, Leepile, Masiya
Stellenbosch: Stephens, Sobiech, Basadien, Sibiya, Van Rooyen, Mthethwa, Mendieta, Jabaar, Mngomezulu, Mgaga, Van Wyk
Subs: Langeveldt, Likuta, Weaver, Titus, Letsoenyo, Adams, Andries, Boji, Moseamedi
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