Old Parks U14s share points with Midrand United in a 2-2 draw
Old Parks coach Masego Maphange said he is proud of what his team has achieved this season.
Old Parks U14s blew their hopes of being crowned Rand Central Local Football Association champions after playing to a 2-2 draw against Midrand United.
The entertaining four-goal thriller saw Old Parks dropping out of the title race as they needed nothing but maximum points. The silverware is up for the taking for Stars Africa as they have three games in hand.
The top-of-the-table clash started slow with both teams growing into the contest. The visitors dominated the midfield and kept Old Park’s defence busy. Out of nowhere, Tshatsi Sekgobela’s out-the-box shot found a top corner and gave Midrand a well-deserved lead (1–0).
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Midrand’s goal woke up the sleeping Old Parks and they quickly got an equaliser from a well-taken goal by Nsikelelo Mgumane (1–1). Both teams went looking for the lead, creating chances at both ends. In particular, Old Parks’ goalkeeper made crucial saves to keep the scoreline level in the first half.
Old Parks strengthened their attack in the second half with Sanga Pekeyak and he quickly made his presence felt using his strength to hold the ball and running behind the defenders. The hosts dominated the second half and also relied on Junior Nyathi’s skills and speed on the left.
Also read: Old Parks clinch an important victory over Ruimsig FC
Deep into the second half, Pekeyak’s diving header gave the home side the lead and kept their title chase hopes alive (2–1). Midrand, on the back foot, threw more bodies upfront in search of the equaliser and it paid off in the dying minutes of the game when Sihle Ntshangase’s header found the back of the net (2–2).
Old Parks’ coach Masego Maphange admitted the result killed their hopes of winning the league and the best place they could finish was second.
“We needed the win to make sure that we were still in the race but it is football and it happens. It was a game of two halves, they came at us in the first half, and they were prepared. Our boys showed character coming back from a goal down. I am proud of the boys given the fact that it is a young team that started playing this year.”
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