Sekhukhune United and TS Galaxy played out a goalless stalemate in their Betway Premiership clash at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday evening.
The result saw Babino Noko rise to sixth place on the log (seven points from five matches), while the Rockets are up to ninth (six points from five matches).
Both teams will reflect on low energy performances that lacked the urgency and penetration to take home all three points on offer.
After exchanging half-chances through the opening quarter of the match, the first genuine scoring opportunity arrived in the 24th minute for the visitors, with Edson Khumalo’s cross from the right flank finding Sedwyn George, but the striker put his header agonisingly wide of the near post.
Just over 10 minutes later it was Sekhukhune’s turn to threaten, with D’Angelo Kazeem playing an excellent cross from the left flank, but Bethuel Muzeu was unable to apply a finishing touch.
The best chance of the first half went the way of Galaxy shortly before the break, with a quick passing move putting Mpho Mvelase in behind the defence, but he fluffed his lines in trying to lob the on-rushing goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi.
Sekhukhune upped their intensity at the start of the second half, helped along by the introductions of Lehlohonolo Mojela and Mokibelo Ramabu, but they were unable to capitalise on this momentum to find a breakthrough.
After the hosts’ initial surge, both teams struggled to find a rhythm in attack through the course of the second half.
Babino Noko were generally more fluid in open play, while the Rockets threatened through the occasional set piece.
Ultimately neither did enough to earn more than a share of the spoils.
The teams will return to Premiership action next weekend, with Sekhukhune away to Stellenbosch FC, and Galaxy hosting Kruger United.
Sekhukhune United 0
TS Galaxy 0
SEKHUKHUNE: Buthelezi, Mashiloane, Matsimbi, Cardoso, Kazeem, Mkhize (Khiba 85’), Khupe, Vandala (Ramabu 46’), Phiri (Mojela 46’), Mokoane (Khoto 69’), Muzeu (Ohizu 69’)
GALAXY: Tape, Motaung, Zulu, Mncwango, Khumalo (Mathebula 76’), Mvelase (Mbunjana 67’), Nkosi, Mdevulana, Williams, George (Ngwenya 76’), Letsoalo (Maoke 90+1’)