Goals from Mxolisi Kunene and Nkosinathi Ndlovu were not enough for Baroka FC as they drew 2-2 against Stellenbosch FC in a 2016/17 Promotion Playoff match at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Wednesday afternoon.
The draw means Milton Dlamini’s men now have one point in the mini league and will hope to beat Black Leopards in their next game next week.
On the other hand, Jarrod Moroole as well as David Booysen were on target for Sammy Troughton’s charges as they bag a point.
Although the first 10 minutes of the fast-paced encounter failed to produce goalscoring chances, it was the hosts who threatened first through Stanley Muishond whose attempt went over the crossbar in the 11th minute.
Five minutes later, Maboke Matlakala couldn’t direct his free header towards Washington Arubi’s empty net following a beautiful delivery from the right wing.
A defensive error by Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele in the 29th minute saw Diego Brown failing to capitalise as he took a shot at goal in the penalty area, but missed the target.
Kunene broke the deadlock in the 38th minute when he converted a clinical cross from Punch Masenamela down the left flank.
However, the hosts equalised on the stroke of half time through Moroole, who received a clever header from Mame Niang to beat Oscarine Masuluke on his left corner.
It was 1-1 at half time.
The Limpopo-based side reclaimed their lead in the 54th minute after Ndlovu netted with a superb set piece to beat Washington Arubi.
Troughton pushed in Cleopas Dube who failed to make an immediate impact after missing a free header in the 59th minute.
However, the hosts fought back to make it 2-2 when Booysen outjumped Masenamela on the far corner to head home following a well-drilled free kick by Brown.
Baroka continued to pile pressure on their hosts and Victor Letsoalo attempted to beat Arubi on his near post, but the Zimbabwean net minder was alert and punched the ball way.
Arubi was called to action when he denied substitute Richard Matloga from a close range header, the keeper closed down the angle to ensure the scores remained 2-2 at the final whistle.
In the wake of the draw, Stellenbosch have one point and will now travel to Thohoyandou to face Lidoda Duvha this Saturday afternoon in search of a win.
