Bloemfontein played hosts to an entertaining 1-1 draw between UFS-Kovsies and NWU-Mafikeng as they threw everything they had at each other.
Both sides were left frustrated as neither could convert the many chances they created and had to settle for a point apiece.
The home side started the game the better of the sides but couldn’t penetrate a strong NWU defence.
The visitors got into the game and found the back of the net in the 10th minute through Lindani Dudula but the goal was disallowed as the linesman had flagged him for being offside.
Kovsies had a chance to grab the lead when a Simon Madupi corner was met by Jay Jay Groenewald in the 16th minute but the striker failed to hit the target and sent his header over the crossbar.
Both sides had numerous chances to score within the opening 25 minutes of the match but neither could find the back of the net to break the deadlock.
The match was being played at a high intensity as both sides went in search of the opening goal.
Kovsies were awarded a penalty late into injury time when Groenewald was brought down by Amogelang Maduo to give the home side a penalty.
Manxubandile Bantshi made no mistake in slotting the penalty to hand the hosts a 1-0 lead at the break.
Both sides came out firing in the second half as they went in search of more goals.
Kagiso Modimoeng missed an easy chance in the 65th minute when he sent his shot over the crossbar from right in front of Kovsies’ net.
Modimoeng made no mistake in the 75th minute when he found the back of the home side’s net to bring his side back into the match.
Both teams went in search of the winner as the match sparked into life but, as it had been for the majority of the match, neither team could find the back of the net and claim maximum points.
FNB Man of the Match: Lehlohonolo Mokoena
Samsung Super Striker: Kagiso Modimoeng
Goalscorers:
For UFS: Bantshi
For NWU: Modimoeng
UFS: 1 Serasengoe Moodie, 4 Marathodi Phillies, 15 Themba Zimo, 14 Glen Rikhotso, 12 Kakudi Moreleba, 3 Unathi Mabandla, 10 Simon Modupi, 11 Lehlohonolo Mokoena, 7 Walter Phori, 9 Jay Jay Groenewald, 6 Manxubandile Bantshi.
Substitutes: 21 Khayalethu Mlonyeni, 2 Khauhelo Kholotsa, 16 Lehlohonolo Thaele, 5 Thabang Pule, 13 Tsoeu Mphezulu, 23 Mongezi Mologovane, 24 Dylan O’Brien.
NWU: 1 Amogelang Maduo, 7 Sipho Mateis, 2 Lebogang Phetlu, 5 Kyle Amon, 24 Aobakwe Mopelwa, 20 Tseko Weevris, 6 Sandile Mabatha, 15 Matsobane Matsi, 13 Thatohatsi Santos, 10 Orebotse Mongae, 9 Tshenolo Machwiswa, 11 Lindani Dudula.
Substitutes: 24 Aobakwe Mopelwa, 25 Goitseone Naane, 12 Mogomotsi Molefe, 21 Lebogang Motshegare, 18 Thapelo Tlabakwe, 8 Kagiso Modimoeng.
