When Early Birds scored three goals in the first 30 minutes, it seemed all was lost for Flamingo FC.
The soccer game, played at the KwaThema Sports Complex on Sunday, had both teams playing for different reasons.
Occupying number four on the super league log, Early Birds have a shot of moving up to the premier league depending on points collected during play-offs.
While Flamingo faces relegation, after finishing last in the premier league.
These play-offs are the lifeline that keeps their hopes of avoiding relegation alive.
The first half provided a high-paced game.
While trailing by three goals, Flamingo devised a plan of limiting the game on their opponents’ side of the field, to increase their scoring opportunities.
It wasn’t long before their efforts paid off and by half time the score was 3-2 with Birds leading.
The players lost their fast pace in the starting minutes of the second half.
After a series of clean passes, Flamingo equalised.
Players were frustrated by time wasted by the many injuries on the field, and the delays in attending to those players, due to lack of relevant assistants.
When Birds keeper left his box, Flamingo wasted no time in taking advantage of the opportunity, and a long ball made Flamingo leaders for the first time in the match.
With the clock ticking and 90 minutes fast approaching, Flamingo looked set to take home the points.
Their dreams were crushed when Birds scored a late goal, ending the game with a 4-4 draw.
Both teams have one play-off game remaining, and that will determine their fate in the leagues.
