Marumo Gallants and Polokwane City were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw in their latest Betway Premiership tie at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Following a tough first-half, Bheki Mabuza struck first to give Gallants the lead early in the second 45. Polokwane City dominated for much of the second stanza, as Bonginkosi Dlamini’s 62nd minute effort evened out the scoreboard.

The game commenced at a timid pace in Mangaung with Rise and Shine seeing more of the ball during the first 10 minutes. Gallants played the majority of their game inside their own half during this period and likewise looked beat in possession.

Gallants gained control of the game midway through the first-half but often battled to progress the ball up field. In response, Polokwane City attempted to disrupt the home side’s rhythm by pressing high up the pitch.

Teboho Moutloung appeared to be Gallant’s attacker-in-chief during the first 45, as seen with his fleet footed moves on the edge of the area. At the other end of the pitch, Banele Mguni and Sibusiso Tshabalala attempted to make a difference from range, both of which were unsuccessful.

Gallants took the lead moments after the restart after Bheki Mabuza scored his second of the campaign. After making way up the pitch, Mabuza latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the area, before finding the back of the net with a well-struck shot that ricocheted off the upright.

The home team remained in control of the game as the second-half petered out, while Rise and Shine did little to trouble the opposition backline.

Polokwane City drew level shortly after the hour-mark after Bonginkosi Dlamini joined in on the fun. After a neat passage of play in the opposition half, Dlamini managed to find the back of the net with a powerful right-footed shot from outside the area.

Dlamini’s effort injected momentum into Polokwane City’s game play and they actively searched for another goal thereafter.

Neither side were able to grab the winner during the closing stages of the game as the score remained at 1-1 at the referee’s final whistle.

Marumo Gallants: (0) 1 (Mabuza 47’)

Polokwane City: (0) 1 (Dlamini 62’)

Marumo Gallants: Arubi, Ncube, Sikhosana, Chabatsane, Mabotja, Sithole (Ndlondlo 60’), Nhlapo, Mphambaniso (Clifford 77’), Msendami (Sithole 88’), Motloung (Khumalo 77’), Mabuza

Polokwane City: Bwire, Motsa, Nkaki, Mvundlela, Manthosi, Kambala, Mphangule, Dlamini (Nkwe 79’), Mnguni (Tlolane 46’), Ramabu, Tshabalala (Mashiane 59’)