Collins Mbesuma’s first half goal was cancelled out by Atusaye Nyondo’s header in optional time as Black Aces and University of Pretoria drew 1-1 in their Absa Premiership tie.

It was a game full of goal scoring chances and both sides could have had more to celebrate.

Inside the first five minutes of the game, Aces defender Ashraf Hendricks got up at the far post but sent his header wide of goal following a corner kick.

A few minutes later and AmaTuks came close from a set piece when Ethiopian striker Getaneh Kebede’s near post flick-on header just went over the crossbar.

In the 17the minute Aces’ powerhouse striker Collins Mbesuma ghosted into the danger area after a clever passing move by Aces, but as Mbesuma and Bhongolwethu Jayiya combined, AmaTuks’ defenders managed to get in the way and block the attempt.

Ashraf Hendricks again got a free header and this time, in the 25th minute, he sent his powerful header over the goal posts.

Then came the opening goal through Mbesuma who ran onto a through pass, held off his marker and carried the ball forward a few paces before firing a low shot at the near post to beat Trystan Coetsee.

Two minutes later and Eddie Ngalo’s header looked to be going in, but Coetsee made a very good save to keep the score at just 1-0 to Aces.

With a few minutes to go until the halftime break, Tuks should have found their equalizer when Atusaye Nyondo’s ball across goal was just too strong for Thabo Mnyamane running in at the far post.

Ten minutes into the second half and Coetsee made another good save, this time to keep out a powerful shot from Nodada following good work by Ngoma in setting up the chance.

Aces almost stole a goal on the hour mark when Tuks gave the ball away at the back and Mbesuma took the opportunity, rounded Coetsee and chipped a pass over the stranded keeper and towards goal, but he could not find his teammates.

How Aces never scored in 80th minute is anybody’s guess. Great solo run by Judas Moseamedi, which ends in him hitting the upright and Mbesuma was onto the rebound in a flash, but his goal bound shot was cleared off the line by a defender.

Aces spent the last period of the game playing on the counter attack while AmaTuks pushed for their equalizer and were rewarded deep into injury time when Nyondo struck with a classy header.

Mpumalanga Black Aces (1) 1 (Mbesuma 30’)
University of Pretoria (0) 1 (Nyondo 90’)

Aces: Mabokgwane, Mzava, Ngalo, Hendricks, Nodada, Matsi, Modiba, Jayiya (Mashikinya 74’), Mbatha (Moseamedi 46’), Ngoma (Moon 62’), Mbesuma

Tuks: Coetsee, Mwedihanga, Mthethwa, Sibande, Jaure, Maruping, Ntombayithethi (Ngubane 46’), Kebede (Bacela 64’), Zwane (Mosadi 46’), Mnyamane, Nyondo