Stellenbosch FC needed a late equaliser from veteran striker Bradley Grobler to salvage a 1-1 draw against Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership at Athlone Stadium on Friday night.
Sekhukhune appeared on course for victory after Bethuel Muzeu broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute, but Grobler struck three minutes from full-time to deny Babina Noko all three points.
The result continued the remarkable pattern between the two sides, with Friday’s stalemate their eighth draw in their last 12 meetings.
The opening half produced little in the way of attacking threat, with both teams struggling to establish any sustained rhythm during the opening exchanges.
Sekhukhune had one of the better opportunities in the 16th minute when Lehlogonolo Mojela failed to connect cleanly with a header from a cross on the right.
Stellenbosch also struggled to turn possession into clear-cut chances, although Raoul Daniels posed a threat when the hosts opted for a more direct approach.
The match opened up after the interval, with Sekhukhune initially looking the more composed side as they put together a series of passes and forced Stellenbosch to retreat.
Their pressure finally paid off in the 62nd minute.
Mojela’s effort took a significant deflection inside the Stellenbosch area before Muzeu reacted quickest to guide the loose ball home from close range.
Stellenbosch responded strongly and came close to an equaliser six minutes later when Lehlogonolo Matlou found space inside the Sekhukhune area, only for the hosts to strike the crossbar.
Grobler then fired over as Stellenbosch continued searching for a way back into the contest.
The pressure eventually told in the 86th minute.
Siviwe Nkwali delivered a dangerous cross from deep on the right, and Grobler found space on the edge of the six-yard area before calmly slotting the ball home to level the scores.
The equaliser was Grobler’s 124th PSL goal and capped a late fightback by Stellenbosch.
The hosts pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but Sekhukhune held firm to secure a point.
Result
Stellenbosch FC 1-1 Sekhukhune United
Stellenbosch: Grobler 86′
Sekhukhune United: Muzeu 62′
Teams
Stellenbosch: Stephens, Mashego, Vena, Msimango, Nkwali, Kwayiba (Sibande 76′), Matlou, Palace, Lebitso (Butsaka 76′), Grobler, Daniels (Plaatjies 63′).
Sekhukhune United: Buthelezi, Matsimbi, Ndlovu, Gibani, Rammala, Khupe (Khiba 46′), Mkhize, Mokoane (Cardoso 83′), Muzeu (Ohizu 67′), Phiri (Nkwana 67′), Mojela (Mandi 67′).
