Sekhukhune United
Sekhukhune United saw their perfect start in the Betway Premiership come to an end after they were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man AmaZulu at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday, August 27.
Sekhukhune Rescue Point to Stay Top on Goal Difference
Eric Tinkler’s side had to come from behind to rescue a point which kept them at the league summit on goal difference ahead of Kaizer Chiefs, with Usuthu moving up to sixth place, level with Golden Arrows on seven points. Babina Noko were looking to maintain their 100 per cent start to the season, while the KZN outfit went in search of their second consecutive win after edging Marumo Gallants 1-0 most recently.
The hosts bossed possession and managed slightly more shots at goal, but AmaZulu should have opened the scoring on the quarter-hour mark when Thando Ngwenya found himself through on goal and one-on-one with Renaldo Leaner. The Zimbabwean striker failed to take his chance though, as he missed the target from inside the area, much to the relief of the home fans.
However, Arthur Zwane’s side were celebrating just three minutes later when Ngwenya made amends, tapping home from close range after being picked out by Andiswa Sithole. AmaZulu took their one-goal lead into the break after Darren Johnson had to make two saves, although the goalkeeper was eventually forced off on 56 minutes due to an injury he picked up in the first half.
The team from Limpopo piled on the pressure in the second half as they pushed for an equaliser, although Ngwenya was a whisker away from doubling the visitors’ advantage on 79 minutes with an effort that rattled the crossbar. But those near misses would come back to haunt Ngwenya five minutes later as Maarman hit back for Sekhukhune with six minutes left on the clock to earn them a point.
Usuthu finished the game with 10 men after skipper Riaan Hanamub received a straight red card in the second minute of stoppage time.
Match Stats and Key Performances
Sekhukhune United dominated possession with 70.2% compared to AmaZulu’s 29.8%. They had 21 shot attempts, with 8 on target, while AmaZulu managed 8 shots, 2 on target. The hosts earned 6 corner kicks to AmaZulu’s 2, and received 4 yellow cards, while AmaZulu had 1 yellow and 1 red.
Thando Ngwenya was a standout for AmaZulu, scoring the opener and nearly adding a second with a crossbar-rattling effort, though he missed an early one-on-one. Relebohile Maarman proved crucial for Sekhukhune, coming off the bench to score the equaliser. Renaldo Leaner made key saves for the hosts, while Darren Johnson was solid before his injury forced Olwethu Mzimela into action.
Sekhukhune’s midfield duo of Michael Timm and Tlotliso Phatsisi controlled the game, but the team struggled to convert dominance into goals until late. For AmaZulu, defender Taariq Fielies anchored a resilient backline that held firm despite the red card.
Lineups and Substitutions
SEKHUKHUNE UNITED: R. Leaner, T. Matsimbi, D. Cardoso, M. Thokolo (B. Ndlovu 87’), V. Letlapa, T. Monare (K. Tlaka 20’), M. Timm, T. Mokoane (V. Mncube 58’), N. Rammala, K. Makgalwa (R. Maarman 59’), C. Ohizu (B. Grobler 58’).
AMAZULU: D. Johnson (O. Mzimela 56’), N. Radebe, K. Allan, T. Fielies, S. Mthethwa, R. Hanamub, S. Hlangabeza, B. Motshwari, H. Ekstein (M. Mbanjwa 68’), A. Sithole (W. Dube 90+6’), T. Ngwenya.
Post-Match Reactions
Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler expressed frustration at dropping points despite dominating, praising his team’s resilience but lamenting missed chances. “We bossed the game but couldn’t find the breakthrough until late. Credit to the boys for not giving up, but we need to be more clinical,” Tinkler said.
AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane was pleased with the point earned on the road, highlighting Ngwenya’s performance but ruing the red card. “It’s a good result against a strong side. We defended well, but the sending off made it tough at the end. Thando was outstanding today,” Zwane noted.
Players echoed these sentiments, with Maarman happy to contribute off the bench: “It’s always good to score, especially to get us a point. We wanted the win, but we’ll take it and move on.” Ngwenya reflected on his mixed day: “Happy with the goal, but disappointed not to get three points. The crossbar was unlucky.”
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