It ended goalless between Cape Town City and Sekhukhune United in their DStv Premiership clash at the Athlone Stadium on Tuesday night.
It was a bright start from the visitors but Siyabulela Shai’s fourth-minute attempt from a free kick flew over Darren Keet’s goal. The same player’s shot-cum-cross in the 14th minute flew across the face of goal and wide.
Badra Ali Sangare needed to punch away Darwin Gonzalez’s free kick in the 17th minute, while Brice Ambina fired just wide on the follow-up. Khanyisa Mayo fired over with a long-range attempt in the 23rd minute. A minute later a great chance fell for Tshegofatso Mabasa, but while his shot had power, it was straight at Keet who made a comfortable save. Nathan Fasika went close for the home team with a powerful header in the 28th minute, but it went over Sangare’s goal.
Taahir Goedeman looked like he was about to score his first goal for the City senior team, but was denied by the woodwork on the half-hour mark. Having run onto a misplaced clearing header, Goedeman raced free, and while his shot beat Sangare, it struck the upright and bounced across the face of goal to safety.
City’s calls for a penalty in the 34th minute fell on deaf ears, while Ambina’s effort in the 41st minute was blocked. After some good pressure from City, Sekhukhune almost hit on the counter but Shai’s 43rd-minute shot was straight at Keet.
Goalless at the break, Mayo tried an ambitious attempt from a free kick in the 48th minute, but it was always going over. Two minutes later Taariq Fielies made a crucial deflection as Shai went close at the other end. Victor Letsoalo’s header from the resulting corner hit the side-netting.
Keet had to make a great save in the 65th minute, getting a hand to palm over Nyiko Mobbie’s well-struck attempt from outside the box. Letosoalo’s deflected effort in the 69th minute was a simple save for Keet. Two minutes later Fasika defended well to deflect Mabasa’s shot behind.
A great chance fell for Mayo in the 74th minute, but his first-time effort flew over the goal. Three minutes later Mayo had another great chance, but this time his header from Craig Martin’s cross went just over.
The last fifteen minutes or so saw the pace drop, with fewer chances. Substitute Mdu Mdantsane had a half chance in stoppage time, but his header lacked power and was straight at Sangare, Darwin Gonzalez’s chance moments later was also saved by the Ivorian.
Points shared, as it ended goalless in Athlone.
