Polokwane City, Aces play to goalless draw

Mpumalanga Black Aces and Polokwane City played to a goalless draw in the Absa Premiership at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturdayafternoon.

Chances were few and far between with both teams lacking real creativity in the final third. A point moves Rise and Shine a step closer to survival, Aces remain in fifth on the log standings.

With two of the league's top goalscorers this season going head-to-head, a lot more was expected in terms of goal-scoring chances. Thobani Mncwango and Collins Mbesuma have scored 25 goals between them this term, but neither could proved the necessary spark in front of goal.

The first chance of the game fell to Carlington Nyadombo in the 16th minute, having lost his marker he could only manage to guide his header straight at Jackson Mabokgwane.

Mncwango had a golden opportunity to open the scoring just before the break, but he failed to hit the target with his attempt.

The best chance of the game fell to the Rise and Shine forward in the 53rd minute. His volley attempt had Mabokgwane beaten, but not the crossbar with the ball cannoning off the inside of the post and out of danger.

Mabokgwane then had to be on his toes to deny Mncwango after he was played in behind the defence by Puleng Tlolane 13 minutes later. The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper with a good save.

Muhsin Ertugral introduced teenage forward Nana Akosah-Bempah with 10 minutes remaining, but the burly striker failed to provide the desired impact as both teams settled for a point.

Polokwane City 0

Mpumalanga Black Aces 0

Polokwane City: Chigova; Barends, Hlongwane, Tshilo, Nyadombo, Manaka, Alexander, Jembula (Matsemela 71'), Mncwango, Ngobe, Kanyenda (Tlolane 46')

Mpumalanga Black Aces: Mabokgwane; Kobola, Ngalo, Hendricks, Modiba - Jayiya (Mbatha 60'), Nodada, Matsi, Ngoma - Mbesuma (Moon 90'), Moseamedi (Akosah-Bempa