Asiphe Vani completes Spoilers’ comeback in thrilling win at Alex Safe Hub
Spoilers responded but they lacked intensity in the first half and, despite their attractive, possession-based football, Ma-Africa’s keeper was rarely tested.
Midrand Spoilers fought back from 2–0 down to defeat Ma-Africa 3–2 in a Safa Joburg regional league encounter on January 14 at Alexandra Safe Hub.
The home side, Ma-Africa looked on course to emerge from the bottom half of the log as they led through a late goal in the first half and a quick goal in the second half from Phuluphelo Nyadzane but Spoilers’ Tshepo Ntuli squared things up with his brace before Asiphe Vani stole the show.
The hosts were brimming with menace from the get-go as they dominated the first half and Soul Malange ran through on goal but Spoilers’ distinguishing striker-turned-keeper, Gilbert Mathosa was out smartly to deny him.
Spoilers responded but they lacked intensity in the first half and despite their attractive, possession-based football, Ma-Africa’s keeper Thapelo Leshaba was rarely tested.
Ma-Africa took the lead after 40 minutes when Phillip Nkongane dished up a sitter for Nyadzane who picked the ball up on the edge of the box, shifted the ball onto his right foot to drill the ball through a sea of bodies and into Mathosa’s top corner.
Spoilers’ Avuyile ‘Chili’ Mancase broke free down Ma-Africa’s left side and saw his fierce drive go over the crossbar.
The lead was extended 10 minutes into the second half when a misplaced pass from Mathosa was seized upon by Nkongane who laid on another sitter for Nyadzane to tap in home confidently.
The visitor’s confidence grew in the second half and substitute Walter Ramoadi went close when he latched onto Mancasa’s defence-splitting pass but his powerful drive found the gloves of Leshaba who held on well.
Spoilers fed off the fans’ hostile energy and quickly took control of the contest during a blistering second half and their efforts were rewarded with a penalty after the lively Vani was brought down inside the box.
Ntuli made no mistake as he stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to pull one back for the visitors.
After their first goal, Spoilers played like a possessed team with chance after chance and Ramoadi squandered a chance for an equaliser when the Ma-Africa keeper raced out quickly to save his effort.
Mancase and Kopano Mahlase combined to release Ntuli in space and the Spoilers’ lanky striker rifled into the top corner from range to complete his brace.
It came as no surprise when Spoilers struck again on 82 minutes when Vani completed Spoilers’ comeback and did the damage after Mahlase delivered a low ball across the goal for Vani to tap in.
Spoilers earned their second win of the season and will look to collect another three points when they host Brixton Atletico on January 19, while Ma-Africa welcomes Opopo on January 22.
Related Article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/314775/prestige-sinks-spoilers/
