Absa Premiership runaway log leaders held in Thohoyandou, Limpopo’s far-north region.
The stoic Black Leopards earned a point in a league fixture against on-form Kaizer Chiefs at a sweltering Thohoyandou Stadium yesterday afternoon, Jan. 18.
The Absa Premiership match finished 1-1 in a packed-to-the-rafters stadium. There was no patch left to spit on.
The 2019/20 league frontrunners [Amakhosi] drew first blood through the prolific goal-poacher Samir Nurkovic [11′] early in the game. Chiefs traveled to Thohoyandou with a 9-point advantage and looked set to stretch it to 12 (points).
However, Lidoda Duvha‘ equalizer by Mogakolodi Ngele from a free-kick on the 32nd minute spoiled Chiefs’ potential maximum points.
The duel up north ended in an exhilarating stalemate. Currently, Chiefs are on 42 points and lead second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns by double digits – a whopping 10-point.
Tied on 17 points with Amazulu FC below and Baroka FC above them, Leopards lay 14th on the league standings. They are separated by a mere point with rock-bottom Polokwane City. For this reason, they are still very much courting with the relegation drop.
Pirates trash Highlands 3-1
Orlando Stadium was in full song again yesterday evening following an incredible 2-1 victory over the defending champions Sundowns last Wednesday Jan. 15, in a breathtaking night encounter.
Highlands Park suffered yet another clobbering at the hands of a resurgent Orlando Pirates club in Soweto Jan. 18.
Thembinkosi Lorch opened Pirates’ account on the 6th minute from kick off. Just five (5) minutes later, Gabadinho Mhango doubled the Pirates lead. The Buccaneers wrapped up the match through Paseka Mako’s goal [45+3′] in the first-half of the league clash.
The Lions of the North upped the ante in the second-half which yielded in a consolation goal courtesy of Mlungisi Mbunjana’s 81st minute long-range wonderful strike.
Although the rejuvenated Orlando Pirates are even on 30 points with Bidvest Wits, they occupy the 5th position on the league table while Wits lay 4th. Highlands Park are perched on the 8th spot notwithstanding their losing streak of late.
Wits stumble to City in Cape
Bidvest Wits were beaten 2-0 by Cape Town City at Cape Town Stadium Saturday night.
Kermit Erasmus [67′] and Craig Martin [87] powered The Citizens to a rare win in the Absa Premiership league.
The Clever Boys were disjointed before City’s second goal in search of an equalizer but left themselves exposed at the back. Martin’s late sucker punch took the wind off the Wits’ sails. They are behind Chiefs by 12 points and three (3) games.
Friday Jan. 17 Absa Premiership Results:
Maritzburg United 1-0 Amazulu FC [Thabiso Kutumela 27′]
Stellenbosch FC 1-0 Baroka FC [Waseem Isaacs 50′]
Sunday Jan. 19 Absa Premiership Fixtures:
SuperSport United vs Mamelodi Sundowns at Lucas Moripe Stadium – 15:30
Polokwane City vs Golden Arrows at Peter Mokaba Stadium – 15:30
Bloemfontein Celtic vs Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium – 15:30