Bethuel Muzeu's goal looked to have secured a vital away win for Sekhukhune United, but a late equaliser forced them to settle for a 1-1 draw at Stellenbosch on Friday. The result extends their winless streak in the Premier Soccer League to five matches, leaving them in sixth place with seven points from five games.
Muzeu broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute, finishing off a move created by Lehlohonolo Bradley Mojela. The visitors defended their lead until the 87th minute, when Bradley Grobler found the net for the hosts, assisted by Siviwe Nkwali.
Sekhukhune United started with M. Buthelezi in goal and a back four including T. Matsimbi and Bright Ndlovu. The first half was a cagey affair, with the first yellow card shown to Mojela for a foul in the 39th minute. Ngoanamello Rammala joined him in the book three minutes later. Stellenbosch's Sinoxolo Kwayiba was also cautioned before the break.
Coach Lehlohonolo Seema made a tactical change at half-time, bringing on T. Khiba for Givemore Khupe. The substitution helped shift momentum, and the reward came just after the hour mark. Mojela's clever play set up Muzeu, who gave Sekhukhune the lead. Seema then made a triple substitution in the 67th minute, introducing Chibuike Ohizu, Olerato Mandi and Thabo Nkwana. Mandi was booked for not retreating seven minutes after coming on.
Stellenbosch pressed hard in the final stages and their persistence paid off when Grobler levelled the score. Grobler was booked for a foul shortly after his goal, and L. Matlou also received a yellow in stoppage time. The match statistics showed Stellenbosch dominated possession with 54% and had 14 shots to Sekhukhune's six, but both teams managed three saves apiece.
Lehlohonolo Seema acknowledged the frustration of conceding late. "We worked hard for the lead and it's disappointing to lose two points so late," the Sekhukhune United manager said. "The boys showed good character away from home, but we must learn to see these games out."
The single point moves Sekhukhune United to seven points, keeping them in sixth position in the Premier Soccer League standings. Their recent form shows two draws and three losses from their last five outings. They are now 12 points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
Sekhukhune United's next fixture is at home, and fans can check the full schedule on our fixtures page. The team will look to end their winless run and build on a defensive performance that limited a strong Stellenbosch side to just one goal from open play.
