Local sport

Phomolong United and Nkulisa share spoils in goalless U15 League clash

Phomolong United pushed for a late winner, but Nkulisa FC stood firm defensively as both teams walked away with a point at Rabie Ridge Stadium.

Phomolong United and Nkulisa FC had to settle for a point each after playing to a goalless draw in their Midrand U15 League encounter at Rabie Ridge Stadium on October 10.

Both sides showed a determination to avoid defeat, producing a closely contested match with opportunities at both ends but neither team able to find the back of the net.

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Nkulisa had an early opportunity to take the lead when Teba Mathinya found space to shoot, but his effort sailed over the crossbar despite the promising opening.

Nkulisa FC starting line-up before their Midrand U15 League clash against Phomolong United. Photo: Comfort Makhanya

Phomolong responded with an attempt of their own as Thuso Fambaza tested Nkulisa goalkeeper Nthati Lehlomela. However, his shot went straight into the goalkeeper’s hands.

The contest was largely balanced, with possession shared between the two sides and much of the play concentrated in midfield. Phomolong’s Thuso and Njabulo Nhlengethwa nevertheless posed an attacking threat as their team searched for an opening.

Neither side managed to break the deadlock before half-time, setting up an equally competitive second half as both teams continued pushing for the decisive goal.

Njabulo Nhlengethwa of Phomolong United (centre) fights for an aerial ball against Nkulisa FC’s Sbongumusa Mpofu and Rokunda Mandlwana during their Midrand U15 League encounter at Rabie Ridge Stadium on October 10. Photo: Comfort Makhanya
Njabulo Nhlengethwa of Phomolong United (centre) fights for an aerial ball against Nkulisa FC’s Sbongumusa Mpofu and Rokunda Mandlwana. Photo: Comfort Makhanya

Nkulisa came close to taking the lead when Sbonelo Mbatha found himself one-on-one with Phomolong goalkeeper Given Ncube. His effort, however, narrowly missed the target, brushing the outside of the post.

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Phomolong responded with a dangerous attacking move through Oratile Mashilwane, whose individual brilliance saw him beat Lehlomela and create a clear scoring opportunity.

With the goalkeeper beaten, Nkulisa defender Rokunda Mandlwana came to his team’s rescue by clearing the ball off the goal line to deny Phomolong what looked like a certain goal.

The missed opportunity did little to slow Phomolong’s attacking intent, as the team continued to create promising chances in search of a breakthrough.

Phomolong United starting line-up ahead of their Midrand U15 League encounter against Nkulisa FC at Rabie Ridge Stadium on October 10. Photo: Comfort Makhanya
Phomolong United starting line-up ahead of their Midrand U15 League encounter against Nkulisa FC. Photo: Comfort Makhanya

Thuso, Sinethemba Nkala and Njabulo remained influential in the attacking third, keeping Nkulisa’s defence under pressure. Sinethemba also tested Lehlomela, who produced a save to keep his team in the contest.

Despite Phomolong’s pressure in the second half, Nkulisa remained disciplined at the back and managed to withstand the late attacking threat.

Both teams continued to battle until the final whistle, but neither could find the goal that would separate them. The encounter ultimately ended 0–0, with Phomolong United and Nkulisa FC walking away with a point each in the Midrand U15 League.

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Comfort Makhanya

Comfort Tsholofelo Makhanya is a dedicated journalist who began his community news career in 2020, starting with Rekord Noweto and subsequently writing for Alex New, Rosebank Killarney Gazette, and currently, Midrand Reporter.

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