Shepards FC beat Mpumalanga Football Academy
While Shepards find themselves at the tail end of the ABC Motsepe League stream A, they pulled up their socks to move away from the danger zone.
Not playing well in the past few weeks Shepards made sure that they redeemed themselves when they beat Mpumalanga Football Academy 2-1.
While Shepards find themselves at the tail end of the ABC Motsepe League stream A, they pulled up their socks to move away from the danger zone.
In their home matches, they were beaten 1-0 by Sivutsa FC during a game played at the Puma Stadium on Saturday, October 29 and before that they had lost to Middelburg United on Saturday, November 12, and lost that game 2-1 played at Puma Stadium as well.
Shepards after playing seven games have won a single match, and drawing once with four points. Academy which are the better team on paper were surprised by Shepard. Playing in a derby against Academy, they upped their game and showed that they have what it takes to win games.
The exciting game full of drama started on a slow pace with both teams sizing each other up and playing cautiously. Shepards were the first to take a bite, a shot after a breakthrough attack by Lindelani Mtshali, but his shot was saved by Academy keeper Sanele Masephula. Academy defender Sizolwethu Mkhatshwa made sure that he blocks a shot from Mtshali.
Shepard had a place-kick and the ball bounce back to play and had no one to finish it off.
Shepard were in the picture again when their forward Ntokozo Hadebe had a chance which was cleared.
Academy centre forward Khanyisani Luthuli was brought down near the D-line and Academy failed to make use of the chance.
With the game swinging from one end to the other, Academy captain Marvin Sikhosana’s long throw nearly resulted in a goal towards the end of the first half. Shepard Sbusiso Mboweni played well in the middle of the field controlling the belly of the field, and the teams break for half time at 0-0.
In the second half Academy made two substitutes and the game changed a bit.
Shepard was the better team when attacking and Zaime Sithole nearly scored, but the shot went wide.
Academy had a place-kick, and Mboweni took the shot and a header by Kenny Tshabalala just missed the target.
Academy super substitute Bongane Mathabela nearly scored with a shot.
Shepards throw more players and they caught Academy on a break attack which resulted in a corner-kick.
From the corner Mboweni out-jumped to head into the net to make it 1-0.
Looking for an equaliser Academy tried to push forward as well and Tshabalala had his shot blocked.
Shepard was in the picture again when a cross from Siphelele Ndlabi in the right side resulted in a goal to make it 2-0.
With the clock ticking slowly towards the end, Academy tried and created scoring opportunities only to fail in the final third.
They scored the only goal to make it 2-1.
The game was very exciting and Shepard captain Themba Maphanga played like a real leader and showed commitment and love for his team and literally ‘dying’ on the field of play.
Share your news tips via: Telephone: 013 656 2490 Email: info@witbanknews.co.za
Or follow us on WITBANK NEWS platforms: Instagram Twitter Witbank News App Facebook page Witbank News Breaking
