By CHRIS TOTOBELA
On Saturday 24 February, Sakhulutsha hosted XI Attackers in the SAB regional league encounter. The scorching hot conditions complemented the hot action ahead. Both teams started cautiously, keeping things nice and tight.
Midway through the first half, however, Sakhulutsha started putting more pressure on their opponents forcing them to defend deep in their half. Sakhulutsha created a lot of scoring chances but failed to make them count. Attackers barely troubled their opponents’ defence, but with only three minutes from halftime, a Sakhulutsha defender handled the ball inside the box. The Sakhulutsha goalkeeper came up with a brilliant one-handed save to keep his team in the game. The score at halftime remained 0-0.
In the second half, Sakhulutsha came out firing and kept Attackers on the back foot. However, they still failed to convert a number of good chances. Meanwhile, Attackers launched a good counter attack, which resulted in another penalty when one of their players was fouled inside the box. Siyathemba Melitafa calmly slotted the ball home for a 1-0 lead.
This seemed to spur Sakhulutsha on, as they continued to dish out some good football. They were however, still unable to break Attackers defence. In the dying minutes, Attackers goalkeeper came up with a match winning save when he pushed the ball over the crossbar after a well-taken free kick just outside the box. Sakhulutsha threw everything at their opponents in search of an equaliser but Attackers stood firm and were very happy to hear the sound of the final whistle.
Photo: Xolisa Jodwana
Photo: Xolisa Jodwana
Photo: Xolisa Jodwana
