University of Pretoria missed the chance to move three points clear of Swallows on the play-off standings after dropping points against Cape Town All Stars on Wednesday afternoon.
PSL Promotion Play-Offs
Result: University of Pretoria 1-1 Cape Town All Stars
Date: 08 June 2022
Venue: ABSA Tuks Stadium
AmaTuks top scorer Luvuyo Phewa recovered from injury to feature on the bench for the first time in the play-offs while All Stars were without head coach Allan Freese on the touchlines due to suspension.
The hosts were cautious early on but they nearly went ahead in the 16th minute after a clearance by goalkeeper Luther Jacobs fell on the path of Singnkhi Mpedi, who looped a strike towards goal and although Jacobs recovered to make a last-ditch save, he collided badly with the far post.
Igugu Lekapa had the attacking urgency going forward but they were not effective in the last third as they hardly tested shot-stopper Thakasani Mbanjwa and were also vulnerable on counter-attacks.
Check out all the 21/22 Premier Soccer League award winners below:
However, All Stars were too casual on the stroke of half-time as they handed AmaTuks the lead from a run of play after striker Thabang Sibanyoni pressed Jacobs from a back-pass by Ryan Baartman, won the ball and fired a low strike that trickled into an empty net.
The visitors were too hasty coming from the half-time break and nearly paid the price for a high line after Sibanyoni beat the offside trap to go clear on goal from the half-way line but Jacobs redeemed himself with a point-blank save.
However, All Stars eventually levelled matters ten minutes into the second stanza after Ndiviwe Mdabuka powered home a free header on the far side of the box into the top corner from a long cross by Thabo Moloisane.
Igugu Lekapa were fired up after that and with 20 minutes left made a double attacking change as Eleazar Rodgers replaced Brooklyn Poggenpoel to add numbers upfront and Bongumusa Dlamini came on for Azola Ntsabo on the right wing.
All Stars remained on the ascendancy in the closing stages but the game was on the edge, as AmaTuks also threatened on counter-attacks and Etiosa Ighodaro almost got the winner for the home side in stoppage time with a strike that came off the post after going through on goal in the box.
The sides could not be separated in the end but the share of the spoils meant Igugu Lekapa are out of the running for promotion, as they remained four points behind AmaTuks, ahead of their last game against Swallows on Saturday afternoon.
Here's how they lined up:
AmaTuks: Mbanjwa, Maqoko, Allan, Moeketsi, Tshabalala, Mpedi, Julies, Barns, Mvambi, Makhubu, Sibanyoni
Subs: Cola, Pheeane, Majabibodu, Montueli, T. Mokoena, B. Mokoena, Chokoe, Ighaodaro, Phewa
All Stars: Jacobs, Kammies, Jodwana, Moloisane, Ntsabo, Mbokoma, Makhele, Baartman, Poggenpool, Figuareido, Maarman.
Subs: Myataza, Stoffels, Nyembe, Sandows, Booysen, Dlamini, Rodgers, Mdabuka, Morton
After a few seasons at the Buccaneers, Fadlu Davids has left Pirates, but how do the fans think he performed during his tenure? Find out by listening in the podcast player below!
