Draw for Stars, United

LIMPOPO – The play-off tournament comprises the nine teams from the nine streams, which were grouped into groups of three teams, who will play at three venues.

On Sunday, Musina United and Makhitha Oscar Stars played to a goalless draw, however, there was more action than the score line suggested.

Both teams missed countless scoring chances, with United the first to fail in scoring.

In the sixth minute, United’s Goodman Chirwa shot into the hands of the opponents’ keeper, Faith Ratambo, from inside the penalty area.

Stars initiated some promising moves from the centre of the pitch but were denied a number of scoring opportunities by the defence.

The absence of Khakhu Tshilinga in the Stars line-up was evident from the onset, as there was no one to win and distribute balls from the middle of the field.

Musandiwa Makhuja of Stars was the first player to receive a yellow card.

United realised that it would be difficult to find the net if they continued volleying from behind and then started to cool the ball down in the middle of the park.

The second half started at a snail’s pace, with both teams struggling to penetrate each other’s defence in an attempt to score.

United pressed hard in search of an opener, but it was Stars who gained momentum as the game progressed.

Stars’ lethal striker, Leavy Machaba missed a glorious chance in the 66th minute when he shot wide with the keeper of the opposition, Thulani Ndou, well beaten.

Machaba of Stars, however, did not live up to the fans’ expectations and was tightly marked.

United threatened to score in the 72nd minute when Kabelo Mulaudzi forced his way through the defence before passing the ball to George Otusistse, whose attempt missed the target by a whisker.

Moments later, Mulaudzi won a loose ball and unleashed a volley just outside the penalty box.

His attempt also missed the target by inches and the points were shared in the end.

capvoice@nmgroup.co.za