Gomtown Boys left it late to grab a point against Neasm Academy

Neasm Academy and Gomtown Boys played to a 2–2 draw in a thrilling match during the Joburg Men’s Regional League (yellow stream) on January 14 at Alexandra Stadium.

Coach Hezekiel Aphane’s team showed great character as they continued their momentum following their 3-2 win against Super Rovers on January 13. However, Gomtown’s Mzikayifani Mashuna scored a late clutch to salvage a point for the home side.

Despite collecting four points over the weekend, Neasm’s recent promotion to the regional league makes this a significant achievement, according to Aphane.

The visitors started strongly with two corners in the first five minutes, but Gomtown’s goalkeeper Xolani Manka made two crucial saves to keep the scoreline level.

After surviving the early pressure, Gomtown’s Simphiwe Mazibuko provided a moment of skills and flair to lift his team’s morale.

Neasm’s striker, Bethan Makombe, was a constant threat to Gomtown’s defenders with his pace and clever runs.

He missed his first shot from a distance, and Karabo Ramoshaba also failed to hit the target following a cutback cross from Austina Mashego.

“We should have won the game with a bigger margin, but we missed too many clear-cut chances,” Aphane explained.

Gomtown’s first chance came after 20 minutes when Lwando Mcosana’s shot was comfortably saved by Neasm keeper Mosa Masinya, who launched a counter-attack that found Bethan. He hit the crossbar with a chip over Manka, and Mashego missed the rebound.

Bethan continued to cause problems for Gomtown’s defence with his clever runs, and Thokozani Ngubeni found him with a lofted pass, but he missed the target again.

Gomtown started to respond and show confidence as the home side, with Lebogang Mkhonza using his pace to trouble Neasm’s defence.

Although Neasm looked more likely to score first, Gomtown’s Mkhonza won a free-kick near the corner flag and converted it with a beautiful right-footed in-swinger.

However, Bethel Makombe shortly levelled the scores with a rebound header after Bethan hit the post with a header from Andile Madi’s corner.

In the second half, Neasm introduced Ernest Ngobeni, who quickly made an impact by finding spaces and taking on defenders.

Gomtown’s defence continued to give Bethan space to operate, and he forced another one-on-one save from Manka. However, Ramoshaba was on hand to score from the rebound, making it 2-1.

With five minutes plus added time remaining, Mashuna scored for Gomtown to level the scoreline following an exchange of passes with Neo Nogana.

Gomtown continued to push for a late winner, but Mosenye cleared Mkhonza’s effort off the goal line to ensure that Neasm took a point from the match.

After nine matches, Neasm is in 12th position on the table with 10 points after two wins, four draws, and three losses. They will host Varsity College FC in their next league game on January 20 at Rabie Ridge Stadium.

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