Aces Unlucky To Draw

Mpumalanga Black Aces had the better of the play, but had to settle for a 1-1 draw in their Absa Premiership clash with Platinum Stars at the Mbombela Stadium on Friday night.

Midfielder Themba Zwane opened the scoring for the home side on the half-hour mark, but Stars hit back when Ofentse Nato scored into his own net as the teams went to the break level.

Black Aces made the better star as Zimbabwean striker Tendai Ndoro headed wide while Mabhuti Khenyeza saw his effort saved by visiting goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane.

The home side had the better of the territory and possession but were finding it difficult to make their dominance in the opening half-hour count before Zwane netted.

He picked up the loose ball on the edge of the area and rifled the ball home for a fantastic finish.

Stars were not disheartened though and began to create chances themselves, finally pulling themselves level on 41 minutes when Nato turned the ball into his own net under little pressure.

Mabokwane had to react smartly to deny Tintswalo Tshabalala from a free-kick in what was a less frenetic second half.

Abia Nale had a good headed chance to steal the points late on, but his effort was straight at Mpontshane and easy for the goalkeeper to make the stop.

Next up for Black Aces is an away trip to Lamontville Golden Arrows on Wednesday, while Platinum Stars host Kaizer Chiefs on the same evening.
Mpumalanga Black Aces (1) 1 (Zwane 30)
Platinum Stars (1) 1 (Nato 41og)

Black Aces: Mabokgwane, Mabaso, Mwanjali, Nato, Ngalo, Timm, Zwane, Nale, Qalinge, Ndoro, Khenyeza (Mbuyane 57) [Mulenga 64).

Stars: Mpontshane, Mere, Gumede, Semenya, Mpeta, Mathe, Ng'ambi, Tshabalala (Makudubela 61), Mbatha, Mhlongo, Botes (S Mthembu 73).

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