Polokwane City moved to the top of the Betway Premiership standings after playing out an entertaining 3-3 draw against Stellenbosch FC at Seshego Stadium on Tuesday night.
The six-goal thriller saw both sides trade blows in a dramatic encounter, with Polokwane eventually securing a point that lifted them one point clear of second-placed Kaizer Chiefs.
Rise and Shine opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Giovanni Philander found the back of the net to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. It was the former Mamelodi Sundowns academy graduate’s first goal for his new club.
Stellenbosch responded strongly and levelled the contest through Sinoxolo Kwayiba, who also celebrated his first goal since joining the Cape Winelands outfit.
The sides went into the halftime break locked at 1-1.
Stellenbosch came out strongly after the restart and took the lead for the first time when Devin Titus struck on the hour mark, capitalising on space in the Polokwane defence to make it 2-1.
The match continued at a frantic pace, with Polokwane responding just six minutes later through Surprise Manthosi, who restored parity at 2-2.
The hosts then regained the advantage with 15 minutes remaining when substitute Raymond Daniels made an immediate impact by putting Polokwane 3-2 ahead.
With Stellenbosch facing defeat, Gavin Hunt made several changes in search of an equaliser.
The visitors eventually found their reward in the 81st minute when Polokwane goalkeeper Lindokuhle Mathebula turned the ball into his own net following good work from Ashley Du Preez, making it 3-3.
Neither side could find a winner in the closing stages as the points were shared in a thrilling encounter.
The draw sees Polokwane City climb to the summit of the Betway Premiership, one point ahead of Kaizer Chiefs, who have a chance to reclaim top spot when they host Sekhukhune United on Wednesday.
Polokwane travel to face Sekhukhune United on Saturday, while Stellenbosch will be hoping to secure their first victory of the campaign when they host Marumo Gallants on Friday.
Polokwane City 3-3 Stellenbosch FC
Philander 16’, Manthosi 66’, Daniels 75’ — Kwayiba, Titus 60’, Mathebula OG 81’
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