Marumo Gallants struck late in the second half to secure a point at Stellenbosch FC in the DStv Premiership on Wednesday night.
DStv Premiership
Result: Stellenbosch 1-1 Marumo Gallants
Date: 11 January 2023
Venue: Danie Craven Stadium
Stellies made only one change to the side that drew with TS Galaxy, as Mervin Boji was handed only his second start of the season to lead the front line.
Gallants, meanwhile, switched two places around from their defeat against Maritzburg United, as they recalled Mahlatse Makudubela and gave Makgobola Nkomo his debut.
Steve Barker's charges took the initiative to attack in the early stages and Devin Titus thought he had opened the scoring on 20 minutes after he found the back of the net but the goal was disallowed for offside.
The hosts remained on the front foot and Boji had a glorious chance four minutes later after he broke clear on goal but his shot was thwarted by goalkeeper Washington Arubi.
Dan Malesela's men had their moments going forward but lacked the end product and Stellies, who were defensively solid, had to make a change at centre-back back just before the interval after Vusi Sibiya got injured and he was replaced by Athenkosi Mcaba.
Stellies had a perfect start in the second stanza as Junior Mendieta eventually broke the deadlock five minutes in with a curling strike that found the top corner after a through ball by Titus from a transition attack.
Malesela reacted by making a tactical change just after that as striker Ranga Chivaviro replaced Makudubela and within seven minutes Chivaviro nearly found the equaliser as he forced a save out of shot-stopper Sage Stephens with a shot in the box.
As the game opened up, Stellies had another injury blow with 22 minutes to go as Mendieta had to be replaced by Nhlanhla Mgaga.
The visitors gained momentum in the latter stages as Chivaviro had a chance to level matters in the last 13 minutes with a header in the box that was saved by Stephens after a cross by Katlego Otladisa.
Chivaviro eventually found the equaliser for Bahlabane Ba Ntwa in the last minute with a header in the box from another delivery by Otladisa.
A point moved Gallants off the foot of the table, up to 15th while Stellies remained in 13th spot.
Here's how they lined up:
Stellenbosch: 17. Stephens, 38. Makhanya, 21. Basadien, 7. Van Rooyen, 6. Mthethwa, 10. Mendieta, 5. Sibiya, 42. Boji, 23. Adams, 34. Titus, 29. Van, Wyk.
Subs: 35. Langeveldt, 26. Mcaba, 12. Mgaga, 2. Sobiech, 3. Letsoenyo, 25. Andries, 27. Jabaar, 22. Sibande, 37. Mngomezulu
Marumo Gallants: 36. Arubi, 28. Nkomo, 5. Mabotja, 15. Mphambaniso, 12. Khiba, 30. Kumalo, 11. Otladisa, 10. Ngema, 50. Sibeko, 23. Mdlinzo, 32. Makudubela.
Subs: 16. Watenga, 21. Molangoane, 8. Chivaviro, 13. Kgoetyane, 34. Pheko, 31. Maraisane, 4. Monyepao, 44. Bobete, 42. Yidah.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
