Marumo Gallants grabbed a late equaliser as it ended 1-1 against Stellenbosch at the Danie Craven Stadium in Wednesday’s sole DStv Premiership fixture.
The home team started this game in 13th position against bottom-placed Gallants, and it was Steve Barker’s side who controlled the early possession and looked to take the early initiative.
But it was Gallants with the first real shot on target, however, Sibusiso Sibeko’s 11th-minute shot lacked power and Sage Stephens gathered easily. Three minutes later Devin Titus shot straight at Washington Arubi at the other end.
Mervin Boji went close in the 24th minute, after a swift Stellies’ counterattack, but Boji couldn’t his shot past Arubi in a one-on-one situation as Stellenbosch continued to create the better opportunities.
But the opportunities to actually score came few and far between, as time and time again, promising attacks fizzled out into nothing, and at the half-time break, it remained goalless.
It was a great goal that finally broke the deadlock. Jayden Adams stole the ball in the midfield and passed to Junior Mendieta who broke free, he passed out wide to Devin Titus, who cut it back to Mendieta, who fired home with aplomb. 1-0 to Stellies in the 50th minute.
Gallants were close to an equaliser in the 61st minute, as the ball bounced around dangerously in the Stellies box after a free kick, and Sibongiseni Mthethwa’s deflection of Samuel Nkomo’s effort struck the upright.
Dan Malesela’s team continued to push for an equaliser but Ranga Chivaviro’s header in the 78th minute was comfortably dealt with by Stephens.
Monde Mphambaniso thought he had a penalty after going down in the box in the 81st minute, but referee Tshililo Muvhali waved play on.
Stephens came to the rescue again in the 84th minute, first saving from Chivaviro’s free kick attempt, before blocking Sibeko’s follow-up effort. At other end, Titus missed a chance to double the lead as he shot over three minutes later.
And Gallants finally drew level in the 88th minute, Chivaviro heading in Katlego Otladisa’s excellent cross to make it 1-1.
Stellies’ captain Deano Van Rooyen had an excellent chance to seal the three points one minute into stoppage time, but Arubi made a good save to block his chance. Jayden Adams had a late chance from a free kick, but his shot was deflected over.
Stellies remain in 13th spot, while Gallants move up one spot to 15th, sending Maritzburg to the bottom.
