Randburg FC U17 surrenders lead in home draw against Seven Academy
Costly defensive errors and missed opportunities haunt Randburg FC despite an energetic start.
Randburg Football Club U17 and Seven Academy U17 shared the points in a 2–2 draw at the Randburg Sports Complex in a Gauteng Development League encounter.
Despite enjoying more ball possession, the Randburg defence made costly mistakes and allowed the visitors to grow back into the game slowly.
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The hosts started the game like a house on fire, using their home ground advantage. Their attacking players were combining well but were let down by poor finishing in the final third.
The home side drew first blood deep in the first half. From the right flank, they outplayed Seven’s defence and Gladwin Baloyi put the hosts in front (1–0). After taking the lead, the home team became complacent and casual on the ball, and the defence started to lose possession cheaply, allowing the visitors back into the game.
Seven Academy set up traps and pressed Randburg high up the pitch. Their resilience paid off as they won the ball in Randburg’s half, and striker Molemo Maleele made sure to hit the net and put his team back in the game before half-time (1–1).
Seven Academy presses home advantage
The visitors continued where they left off in the second half. They came back with more intensity and were holding on to the ball better. Maleele missed a sitter in the opening minutes. That was a sign of what was coming. Finding joy on the right side, the visitors took the lead with a goal by Teboho Tuba (2–1).
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The hosts responded quickly with a well-executed free-kick from outside the box by captain Uzayr Bowers. The equaliser woke Randburg up at 2–2. Despite putting on pressure and having the upper hand, they could not unlock Seven’s defence, and both teams took home a point each.
Coaches reflect on physical encounter
Seven’s coach Presly Mokae admitted that it was a difficult and physical game.
“We knew how stubborn they are, but we were well prepared for the game,” he said. “We need to work on our scoring, and also we will work on our defence to prepare for the next game.”
Dropping points at home was a big blow for Randburg coach Fiston Kutuka. He said that they were supposed to score more goals with the chances they had, and he was disappointed with how they defended.
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