It ended 1-1 between Cape Town City and Royal AM in their DStv Premiership fixture at the DHL Stadium on Saturday evening.
It was the first DStv Premiership game for media and fans to attend in Cape Town in 25 months, and in a key battle for second place on the log.
Cape Town City 1-1 Royal AM
The home team took the early initiative, buoyed on by a small but vocal crowd, but the opening fifteen minutes failed to deliver any shots at goal.
Thabo Nodada did have a good chance in the 19th minute but skied his effort from just inside the box. A minute later Craig Martin’s effort went wide, and in the 21st minute, Nodada’s first-time shot struck the crossbar.
Thabo Matlaba’s attempt in the 25th minute, was deflected wide as the visitors threatened to hit on the counter. Kabelo Mahlasela really should have scored for the visitors in the 31st minute, but shot wide with the goalmouth beckoning, as did Mxolisi Macuphu a minute later, his attempt also narrowly wide.
Royal AM grabbed the lead just before half-time when Macuphu finished from close range, poking past Hugo Marques to make it 1-0. Some good work from Samuel Manganyi to set him up.
Khanyisa Mayo shot wide after some good build-up play by City in the 64th minute, as the home team looked for a way back into the game.
But City were level in the 67th minute, as Zukile Mkhize’s own goal at a corner, made it 1-1.
City substitute Mo May broke free in the 78th minute, but took a little too much time to take his shot, and his effort was deflected behind.
City should have been in front in the 87th minute, Terrence Mashego squaring a good ball for Mayo, but Patrick Nyame was on hand to deny the City striker at close range.
When the full time whistle blew, it was a share of the spoils, with the visitors remaining four points ahead of City on the log.
