PSL Promotion/Relegation Play-Off

Result: Santos 1-2 MP Black Aces

Date: 20 June 2013

Venue: Cape Town Stadium

Mpumalanga Black Aces came back from a goal down to beat Santos 2-1 in their promotion/relegation battle at the Cape Town Stadium on Thursday night.

Hosts Santos had the better of the chances throughout but Aces found their way into the game after the break and made the most of their opportunities to leave with the spoils.

The game got off to a slow start but it was the People's Team that looked the more dangerous in attack - though their pass in the final third was lacking.

A speculative shot from Aces midfielder Tshidiso Mosikidi almost brought reward for the visitors in the 18th minute as it deflected off the head of a defender and bounced just wide with Pa Dembo Touray rooted.

Santos responded immediately with Vuyisile Wana going on a superb run from the half-way line but after completely bursting through, Bafana Nhlapo came up with a superb save.

Brian Onyango saw the ball drop for him from the resulting corner but he fluffed his shot while Nasief Morris smacked a low shot at goal later on which the goalkeeper palmed around the post.

Nhlapo was doing well to cut out some dangerous crosses but Wana should have broken the deadlock when he cut right through the Aces defence late on - but instead he rushed the chance a slipped a weak shot straight at the goalkeeper.

Santos started the second period brightly and were rewarded when Wana tucked away a simple header after a swift team move ended with Salmaan King chipping a cross to the far post.

Aces would get back into the game seven minutes later though when a one-two at the edge of the area opened up Santos at the back and a low cross was thumped into the bottom corner by Thabo Qalinge.

The game remained lively with Onyango nodding a free header straight into a defender instead of going for goal while Diyo Sibisi rifled a shot just off target from the edge of the area.

Aces completed the turnaround in the 65th minute though as the tricky Qalinge cut in and worked Touray. The rebound then fell perfectly for Sibisi to bury a simple header.

As the game wore on, Aces sat back and Santos pushed men forward but poor decision making and finishing from the Cape Town team saw Aces leave with the spoils.

The result puts the Mpumalanga side firmly in control with six points while Santos and Chippa have a point each.

Santos: Pa Dembo Touray, Jurie Basie, Brian Onyango, Ricardo Skippers, Cheslyn Jampies, Darron Omaticus, Nasief Morris, Xolani Mabaso, Salmaan King, Edwin Sitayitayi, Vuyisile Wana.

Aces: Bafana Nhlapo, Mohau Motaung, Zamuxolo Ngalo, Thabang Rooi, Enruci Adolph, Tshidiso Mosikidi, Setjhaba Mmuso, Sandile Zuke, Thabo Qalinge, Esau Mtsweni, Diyo Sibisi.