With little to separate Sekhukhune United and Stellenbosch FC in the DStv Premiership this week, Babina Noko and the Cape Winelands side shared the spoils in a tense 1-1 draw at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in the DStv Premiership on Wednesday night.
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While Stellies were moments away from collecting maximum points on the road, Chibuike Ohizu’s towering header four minutes from time saw both sides record a point in their latest league assignment.
𝗔 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱 🤝
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) April 17, 2024
Anicet Oura's first-half goal is canceled out by Chibuike Ohizu's late equaliser as we settle for a share of the points.
Sekhukhune United ①-① Stellenbosch FC pic.twitter.com/T5hnOAUo0z
Stellenbosch held most of the ball during the opening exchanges of the match but did little to trouble Badra Ali Sangare in goal.
Sekhukhune on the other hand, looked to hit the travelling side on the break at every opportunity.
The Cape Winelands side continued to dominate on the ball midway through the first 45 while the likes of Iqraam Rayners and Andre de Jong probed inside the Babina Noko half.
Sekhukhune created a couple of scoring opportunities after the 20th minute mark but were easily dealt with by Stellies goalkeeper Sage Stephens.
Babina Noko grew in confidence as the half progressed but were often met by solid defending by the away side.
However, Stellenbosch remained on the front foot and actively searched for the opening goal after the 30-minute mark.
LEAPING HEADER LEVELS GAME
Stellies’ pressure eventually paid off in the 40th minute as Anicet Oura got his name on the scoresheet.
Picked out by Rayners with a cross from the right-hand flank, a seemingly off-balanced Oura managed to sort out his feet with a first-time volley that caught Sangare by surprise.
It was much of the same from Stellenbosch as the second half was introduced while Steve Barker’s side looked comfortable in possession.
Not holding back, Sekhukhune manufactured a couple scoring chances during the first 15 minutes of the subsequent half which were swiftly neutralised by the travelling side.
Stellenbosch came agonisingly close to scoring their second goal soon after the hour mark as Oura forced a reaction save out of Sangare in the 67th minute.
However, the Sekhukhune defenders did well to avert the danger by clearing the loose ball inside the six-yard area.
Then, in a moment that stunned Stellenbosch FC, Sekhukhune levelled matters in the 85th minute as Chibuike Ohizu added his name to the scoresheet.
After a clever bit of skill by Asekho Tiwani that completely dumbfounded Devin Titus on the left-wing, the attacker swung in an inch-perfect cross that was met by Ohizu with a leaping header at the far post.
Sekhukhune Utd and Stellenbosch draw in the #DStvPrem for the second time in 11 days 👇
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 17, 2024
This result means that Sundowns are just 3 wins away from confirming their title defence 🏆 pic.twitter.com/wbLiiJZYba
Sekhukhune United: (0) 1 (Ohizu 86’)
Stellenbosch FC: (1) 1 (Oura 40’)
Sekhukhune United: Sangare, Mobbie, Yamba, Cardoso, Ntiya-Ntiya (Tiwani 76’), Mokotjo (Mtshali 46’), Mkhize, Mokwana, Masiya (Ohizu 46’), Mncube, Mntambo (Sifama 76’)
Stellenbosch FC: Stephens, Basadien, Toure, Moloisane, van Rooyen, Nduli, Adams (Palace 79’), Oura (van Wyk 79’), de Jong (Mgaga 71’), Titus (Sibande 87’), Rayners (Boji 87’)