Last Saturday's MTN8 semi-final first leg saw a very tough encounter that ended 1-1 between SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns. Who won the battle in the engine room, 34-year-old Hlompho Kekana or 21-year-old Sipho Mbule?
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Position
For both SuperSport and Sundowns, it was a three-man central midfield. SuperSport used Dean Furman in the holding role to free Mbule up to play in a box-to-box role alongside Teboho Mokoena. Sundowns did the same by using Sammy Seabi to screen the defence and allow Sibusiso Vilakazi and Hlompho Kekana to get forward.
Attacking
Both in-form midfielders, Kekana and Mbule had the licence to attack. The Sundowns man hit three shots in the game, with all of them coming 30 to 40 yards from goal and none forcing Ronwen Williams into a save. The Downs skipper did not provide any Chances Created for teammates.
Mbule, on the other hand, only had one shot at goal, but created a highly-impressive four chances for his teammates. Also, for SuperSport's goal, it was his run with the ball and pass to Onismor Bhasera that led to Thamsanqa Gabuza's header.
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Defending
Both players had to get stuck in to defend in the engine room. Kekana won four tackles and made four clearances in a strong defensive outing, but Mbule matched him in this area. The youngster also won tackles on four occasions, but also won an aerial duel and two ground duels.
Passing
These two players had very different demands on the ball. Kekana looked to play more adventurous long passes, but often gave the ball away by his standards. The veteran had 48 touches, making 40 passes at a low 67% passing accuracy. Mbule was more involved as he had 67 touches, making 45 passes and finding his man 82% of the time.
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This was a top performance by the young, dynamic midfielder in his battle with one of South Africa's premier players. On this evidence, the battle between this duo will go a long way towards deciding who progresses in the semi-final second leg.
Who do you think won this midfield battle, Kekana or Mbule? Let us know by commenting below!
