Grobler penalty miss costs SuperSport a win over Marumo

The echoes of a tame and underwhelming first half must have rang loud in the close to empty New Peter Mokaba Stadium where Marumo Gallants hosted SuperSport United on Tuesday night.

Both sides appeared to lack rhythm and flair as the opening stanza was quite painful to the eye. There were no serious or threatening chances created by Raymond Mdaka and Gavin Hunt’s side in the first stanza.

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However, both mentors must have said some stern words in their half time team talk as the sides came out with more enthusiasm. After huffing and puffing for most of the second half, SuperSport were awarded a penalty in the 82nd minute after Ismael Toure was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.

Striker Bradley Grobler stepped up to take the responsibility from 12 yards and with many hopes pinned on him, Grobler went for power and had to agonizingly see his effort fly over the crossbar and into the stands, much to the delight of Gallants, as the tied ended 0-0.

SuperSport earned a point, but one would imagine that Hunt is rather disappointed as this gives their rivals, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, an opportunity to leapfrog them to second place.

The point puts Matsatsantsa A Pitori two points ahead of the Buccaneers, who play Stellenbosch FC next. Arthur Zwane’s Amakhosi side will play Sekhukhune in their bid to keep up with the pace for the second spot.

SuperSport and Marumo both have a lot at stake for the remainder of the season as the former are looking to end the DStv Premiership in second place as Mamelodi Sundowns’ bridesmaids as Downs have already secured the title.

For Marumo, the Limpopo-based outfit want to protect their top-flight status as they have been lingering at the extreme end of the log for most of the season.

They have been sharing their focus with the Caf Confederation Cup, where they have reached the quarterfinals.

SuperSport’s next assignment is against top-eight hopefuls AmaZulu, who are currently occupying 12th. Gallants, on the other hand, will entertain rock-bottom Maritzburg United this weekend.