Aces and Amazulu share the spoils
Siblings, Clive and Steve Barker shared the points as the so-called battle of the Barkers ended with both coaches pleased but not entirely satisfied
It was a case of missed opportunities for both Mpumalanga Black Aces and Amazulu when they shared the spoils in an even-sided 1-1 draw at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday evening.
There was action aplenty when these two teams met each other for the second time this season in this Absa Premiership match.
Black Aces opened the scoring after 80 minutes with Thanduyise Khuboni’s penalty. Amazulu’s Bonginkosi Ntuli scored the equaliser shortly afterwards to silence the Aces supporters in a frantic end to the evenly contested match.
It was probably a fair result as both teams could have scored the decisive goals earlier on in the match if it had not been for fantastic defence and goalkeeping from both sides.
Amazulu’s Energy Murambadoro, had spent most of the season at Aces but has now moved over to Amazulu and clearly relished the opportunity to get the better of his former teammates.
Abia Nale tested Murambadoro early on but the Zimbabwean came up with a good save. Aces’ Jackson Mabokgwane also had his work cut out for him during the match and had to deal with a number of corners in the first 10 minutes of the contest.
Aces had a fantastic opportunity in the eighth minute but a great block from the Amazulu defence denied them the first goal of the match.
A collective sigh from the crowd pinpointed how close the home team was to scoring.
Aces’ danger man, Collins Mbesuma had a number of chances but was met with the energetic force of Murambadoro in Usuthu’s goal.
Amazulu had the majority of possession in the first half but failed to capitalise as the half-time whistle blew.
Aces started the second half in commanding fashion. A tantalising cross from Abia Nale found the head of Zamuxolo Ngalo, who missed the target by mere centimetres.
The introduction of Amazulu’s star striker, Bongani Ndulula signalled a change in Amazulu’ attacking intent with Philane Shangwe being denied by Mabokgwane’s heroic save.
On the other end, Aces Dino Ndlovu proved to be a handful for Amazulu’s defenders, especially Mbulelo Mabizela, who brought the former down in the box.
The referee wasted no time to point to the penalty spot.
Khuboni calmly slotted the penalty to delight the home crowd.
The drama was not over yet as one of Amazulu’s best players on the night, Bonginkosi Ntuli scored their equaliser with seven minutes of play remaining.
Tempers seemed to flare up as the game drew to a close with a number of yellow cards being dished out to both sides. Ndlovu also received a booking for simulation after attempting to earn another penalty.
The burly striker could also have grabbed a late winner but his shot fizzed narrowly wide.
The referee blew his whistle shortly afterwards to signal an end to the exciting contest. Siblings, Clive and Steve Barker shared the points as the so-called battle of the Barkers ended with both coaches pleased but not entirely satisfied.
