Countless missed chances for Polokwane City during clash with Baroka
The Limpopo derby between Polokwane City and Baroka for their Absa Premier League match ended in a goalless draw at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
POLOKWANE –Â The score was not a true reflection of the match as the City missed countless opportunities.
Baroka had their first taste of bad luck in the sixth minute when Gift Motupa shot into the hands of the opponents’ keeper, George Chigova, from the penalty area. Simphiwe Hlongwane, the City’centre back, was the first player to go into the referees’ book.
Hlongwane was lucky to escape with only a yellow card after tackling Richard Matloga from behind in the 15th minute.
City had themselves to blame for not sealing the game in the first half. Instead of playing their normal carpet football, City ballooned from behind and made it difficult for the strikers to control the ball.
Baroka’ keeper, Virgil Vries, however, denied City a sure goal when he palmed Rodney Ramagalela’s half volley away for a corner kick in the 39th minute. Realising that their scoring chances were slim, City introduced Bongile Booi and Salulani Phiri at the expense of Edgar Manaka and Thobani Mncwango.
Baroka started to dictate the terms after replacing Richard Matloga and Lewis Macha with Goodman Mosele and Mpho Kgaswane. City played the last 20 minutes of the game with their backs against the wall. At that stage, Baroka were firing on all cylinders.
City were awarded three corner kicks in quick succession, but failed to convert any.
