Kruger United secured their first point in the Betway Premiership after playing to a goalless draw against Marumo Gallants at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The Village Boys, who suffered a defeat to Kaizer Chiefs in their opening league fixture, will take confidence from the result. Gallants, meanwhile, opened their campaign with a point after their scheduled first match against Mamelodi Sundowns was postponed earlier this month.
Gallants enjoyed the majority of possession during the first half, but Kruger United created the better early opportunities. Sphiwe Mahlangu and Tatenda Tavengwa both came close to breaking the deadlock for the visitors.
The hosts were eventually awarded a penalty late in the first half after Sidney Fakude was penalised for handball. Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo stepped up to take the spot-kick, but his effort was brilliantly saved by Kruger goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou.
The sides went into the halftime break level at 0-0.
Kruger continued to threaten after the restart, with Aphiwe Mpothe firing just over the crossbar from outside the box in the 58th minute. Two minutes later, Gallants came close through Samkele Sihlali, but his effort was blocked.
Neither side could find the decisive breakthrough as the match settled into a tightly contested battle.
Kruger were reduced to 10 men late in the game when Thendo Mukumela received a second yellow card and was sent off, but Gallants were unable to capitalise as the visitors held on for a valuable point.
Both teams return to Betway Premiership action this weekend. Marumo Gallants travel to Stellenbosch FC on Friday, 14 August, while Kruger United visit Milford FC on Saturday, 15 August.
Marumo Gallants 0-0 Kruger United
About the Author
