Things heat up in the ABC Motsepe Limpopo league

LIMPOPO – Things are heating up in the ABC Motsepe Limpopo league. On Saturday, Blackpool FC held the in-form Mpheni Home Defenders to a 2-all draw at Louis Trichardt High School.

Blackpool had an early opportunity to take the lead, however, Julius Likotsane shot into Defenders keeper Ludick Mkhatshwa’s grateful grasp. Defenders had a chance to open the scoring in the 11th minute, but Kamohelo Mabuya shot over the bar with only the keeper to beat.

A few minutes later Thulani Mabizela of Blackpool was yellow-carded for a rough tackle.

Another opportunity came for Blackpool in the 22nd minute, but Freddie Hlalele’s well-timed shot missed by the merest of margins. Defenders finally broke the deadlock in the 25th minute after Gift Nemutandani dribbled past a few defenders and scored.

An equaliser for Blackpool followed soon thereafter, as Likotsane scored in the 27th minute following a square pass from Lesley Mkhize.

Blackpool keeper Mashudu Makhavhu kept them in the game when he saved a sure goal from the boot of Thabelo Tshikhweta a few moments later.

Blackpool managed to take the lead thereafter via Freddie Hlalele’s header of Ayanda Gqaba’s pass.

Their lead did not last long and Defenders equalised through Samekele Tembe after he beat three defenders and scored easily.

Blackpool had the opportunity to head into the break with a lead after they were awarded a penalty. However, Unarine Kudzaningna shot at keeper Mkhatshwa who made the save and kept the scores level at half-time.

Defenders started the second half at a blistering pace and gave their opponents little time to settle down.

They should have taken the lead in the 67th minute, but their striker, Ndivhaleni Manenzhe, hesitated for too long and a Blackpool defender was able to block his shot.

Another opportunity came for defenders in the 78th minute. Regional Mhlanga released a powerful shot following a pass from Freedom Nyundu, but the ball hit the crossbar and bounced back into the field of play.