Marumo Gallants have moved out of the red zone in the Betway Premiership thanks to a 1-1 draw away to Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
Bahlabane ba Ntwa recorded a sixth successive draw, which – combined with Orbit College’s defeat away to Stellenbosch FC – was enough to push them into the safety of 14th place on goal difference ahead of the Mswenko Boys.
As for Rise and Shine, this third successive draw dropped them to seventh place on the log, leapfrogged by Golden Arrows after their win away to Chippa United.
The first half was mostly a frustrating affair, with neither side able to find an attacking rhythm and create genuine scoring opportunities.
However, in the 44th minute, Polokwane claimed the lead with the first notable effort on goal.
Banele Mguni picked up a square pass from Raymond Daniels and let fly with a low drive from just outside the ‘D’ of the penalty area – the effort found the bottom corner of the net, with Gallants goalkeeper Kagisho Mlambo appearing to be unsighted by his own defenders.
Bahlabane ba Ntwa hit back in the opening minute of the second half, with substitute Mohamed Doumbia picking up a loose ball and striking – from almost the same place Mnguni hit his goal – a thunderous drive into the top corner of the net for 1-1.
The teams traded half chances in what remained of the game, but no there was no change to the scoreline, as the clubs settled for a share of the spoils.
Polokwane have completed their league campaign, while Gallants will have their final clash at home to Stellenbosch FC on Saturday 23 May.
Polokwane City (1) 1 (Mnguni 44’)
Marumo Gallants (0) 1 (Doumbia 46’)
Polokwane: Mathebula, Manthosi, Ramaja, Nkaki, Nkwe, Maphangule (Mutudza 85’), Kambala, Dlamini (Tshabalala 75’), Ramabu (Mashinini 49’), Daniels, Mnguni (Marema 49’ [Batlhabane 85’)
Gallants: Mlambo, Khumalo, Sikhosana, Nhlapo, Ntiya-Ntiya (Mabotja 63’), Manaka, Mbhele (Clifford 46’), Kunene (Motloung 85’), Sithole (Doumbia 46’), Mabuza (Otladisa 46’), Ndlondlo