Aces through to the MTN8 despite defeat
The Mpumalanga Black Aces' Absa Premiership season ended on a low note on Saturday when they suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of the University of Pretoria team, TUKS FC, at the Mbombela Stadium.
Despite losing this fixture, Aces still booked themselves a spot in the top eight of the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
They will have the opportunity to participate in the MTN8 next season – an outstanding achievement for a team that was promoted via the play-offs at the beginning of this term.
The game between the home team and AmaTuks didn’t live up to expectations as both failed to play the football they are known for.
Following numerous wasted goal-scoring opportunities in the first stanza, AmaTuks finally saw the back of the net through Geoffrey Massa following a defensive error by Aces’ defenders.
This goal was enough to put a damper on Aces’ celebration plans for making it to the top eight.
Aces coach, Clive Barker said even though he was disappointed for losing, he was greatful that his team has made it to the top eight of the PSL.
“Today, we didn’t play as we normally play football and therefore we got punished. I am happy that we finished in the top eight.”
Aces’ best-ever finish in the league was fourth, which was achieved during the 1971 season but placing seventh is an absolutely fantastic achievement.
