Aces rusty after break

Mpumalanga Black Aces’ winning streak came to a screeching and abrupt end when they lost 2-1 in the Absa Premiership clash against Polokwane City at KaNyamazane Stadium on Saturday November 22.

After a rest period of two weeks, Aces seemed rusty and out of touch. They never got out of second gear and Polokwane City was quick to capitalise on their lacklustre start to the match.

The winning team had their first meaningful shot in the 16th minute when striker, Puleng Tlolane, forced a save from Aces’ keeper, Jackson Mabokgwane.

Collins Mbesuma was the team’s best player of the day and had a fantastic chance to open the scoring, however, he was denied by Polokwane City’s keeper, Modiri Marumo.

They started the second half with renewed fervour and deserved to take the lead through a goal from Thobani Mncwango in the 49th minute.

Tlolane took the stuffing out of Aces a few minutes later with another goal, which gave the team from Limpopo a two-goal cushion.

It was now time for Aces’ coach, Clive Barker to make a few much-needed adjustments with the returning Aubrey Ngoma replaced by Darren Lurie, and Onyekachi Okonkwo making way for Miguel Timm.

These changes seemed to spark a bit more life into the home side as they played with more fluidity, while the away team looked to preserve their lead with some staunch defence.

Aces’ persistence finally paid off in the 84th minute when Mbesuma calmly slotted the ball into the net after finding extra space in front of the goal.

This was the last piece of delight for the Aces who will now need to go back to the drawing board before they tackle Bidvest Wits at Mbombela Stadium on Wednesday November 26. The match will kick off

at 19:00.