10-men Rangers held Rovers to a draw

Substitutes Randy Mackay and Marcus Damons scored as Midrand-based Super Rovers FC fought back twice to draw 2–2 against10-man Rangers FC at Alexandra Stadium in a Johannesburg regional league encounter on February 10.

It was an exhilarating first half with both teams throwing everything at one another. A well-hit shot from Rovers’ Samke Manyika was turned behind by Rangers goalkeeper Ntlantla Tsie in the first half.

On the stroke of half-time, the visitors wasted an opportunity on the counter-attack when Nqubeko Dlamini struck a shot too close to Tsie.

Despite Rovers best efforts, Rangers broke the deadlock two minutes into the second half when Mogau Kgwete headed a ferocious opener past Rovers keeper Chandre Beukes after a sliding cross from Meshack Tshabalala.

In the immediate aftermath of Rangers goal, Rovers coach Lebogang Phaka introduced his skillful winger, Mackay, to help put together dangerous attacks alongside Damons who had been substituted midway through the first half.

Frustration among Rangers players slowly started to mount as Rovers’ deadly duo began to push for an opener, and Rangers were reduced to 10 men following a red card.

Using the player advantage, Manelisi Mbatha tore Rangers apart with a brilliant pass to Mackay who slammed the ball past Tsie for an equaliser before Tshabalala restored Rangers’ lead from the penalty spot.

In the dying minutes of the match, Mackay used his individual brilliance to beat two Rangers defenders and lay on a sitter for Damons who simply tapped home.

This was an exciting conclusion to an otherwise disappointing match, and a potential turning point in the title race, with Rovers maintaining their third position and Rangers in seventh place.

At the end of the match, Rovers coach Phaka was furious because he was only given four substitution opportunities when there were supposed to be five.