The clash between the two archrivals saw the Happy Boys dominating ball possession in the first half, with threats here and there, but they could not find a way past Emanuel’s defence, who have not lost a match in the league apart from the 2-1 defeat in a game against Winners Park two weeks ago. Emanuel FC is currently in position two in the ABC Motsepe League Stream A, just one point behind Mpheni Home Defenders, who currently tops the chart with 16 points from eight games versus Emanuel’s 15 also from eight matches.

A win on Saturday against the Happy Boys could have seen Emanuel ascend to position one. This is why the match was not only about defending territorial dominance but also about getting the much-needed points to secure the top spot on the log. Meanwhile, for Giyani Happy Boys who are currently in position eight with eight points from eight matches, the match on Saturday was about survival; hence, they pushed hard in the first half hoping to break the spell of losses that have befall them since the start of the league.

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With Emanuel defending heavily at the back, all the efforts and attempts to score in the first half did not bear any fruit. In the second half, however, playing seemed to be levelled. Probably due to Emanuel’s coach cracking the whip behind closed doors, showing his players what was at stake if they lost the match. However, to the dismay of the fans who had anticipated a thrilling match, neither team was able to score until the referee blew the whistle to declare the game over. Fortunately for Emanuel FC, Mpheni drew 0-0 with Celtic as well, keeping the two teams’ one-point deficit intact.

Giyani Happy Boys remain in the same position because their one point from the tie did not affect the league standings.