The game was played on Sunday, April 27.
Even though the host team, dominated play, Santos just got a lucky goal and made sure that they protect the thin lead. Spurs were awarded a place kick but Rhulani Manzini missed. Santos’ forward Tshepo Mabua scored an easy goal when he broke through Spurs defence to beat Lindokuhle Nkambule in Spurs goal. Spurs defender Victor Ngunyule nearly scored with a header from a place kick.
Spurs Peter Mubayiwa was in the picture when he missed with a long shot, which the Santos keeper Pa Dembo Touray saved. Spurs missed another opportunity when Manzine missed with a header from a corner kick.
Spurs were throwing everything and anything at Santos but failed to find the back of the net. Santos veteran David Radebe missed with a low shot faced with Nkambule. Santos led 1-0 during the break.
In the second half, Spurs came with new ideas and were controlling the game. Their captain Patrick Mubayiwa missed from a close range, Manzini was in the picture and again he missed with a high ball. Santos Cheslyn Jampies failed to beat Nkambule with a low shot.
Spurs threw all their players upfront, even Ngunyule, and all the high balls were passed to him. He missed some opportunity to equalise.
Santos have kept their play-off chances alive and they now move to sixth place on the log and are just three points behind second-placed Milano with two games remaining. Spurs are in 10th place with 36 points. Santos must just pray that Milano and Baroka lose their remaining games and Cosmos and Leopard lose as well.
