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JOHANNESBURG. — Royal AM climbed to third spot on the South Africa DStv Premiership table after rallying from behind to defeat Kaitano Tembo’s ten-man SuperSport United 2-1 last night.
Winger Guily Manziba and Buhle Mkhwanazi returned for the visitors, while Royal AM had veteran striker Ndumiso Mabena back, following a lengthy lay-off.
Royal AM fought hard to prevent the Tshwane outfit taking an early lead when goalkeeper Hugo Nyame smothered the adventures of forward Thamsanqa Gabuza.
A close-range finish by Gabuza, after Royal AM failed to clear their lines, gave the visitors the lead.
Matsatsantsa missed out on a second, in a matter of minutes, from a chance by Manziba, but the winger was stopped dead by Nyame.
Matsatsantsa finished the match with ten players minutes after Luke Fleurs saw red for a second bookable offence, while Siyabonga Nhlapo and Bradley Grobler were brought in.
The Tshwane side’s resolve fell apart as the hosts levelled at the death when Zukile Mkhize volleyed in a loose ball from a tight angle. Royal AM completed the turnaround soon afterwards as Menzi Masuku pounced on a ball in the area to slot home to give his side victory.
Meanwhile, unbeaten Stellenbosch continued their fine start to the DStv Premiership with a 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium.
Stellenbosch opened up the host near the midway point with a ball into space to Ashley Du Preez who, from a difficult angle, forced Daniel Akpeyi into a save.
The Amakhosi felt the brunt of another threat and trailed on 38 minutes after Du Preez turned Cardoso to get onto the end of Junior Mendieta ‘s pass and beat Akpeyi with a superb finish.
There were bright moments for the Amakhosi in the latter stages of the second half, with Eric Mathoho heading a corner inches wide. Then, Khama Billiat missed with a free-kick, as the men from the Western Cape held on for maximum points.
Meanwhile, Hugo Broos has named his final 24-man Bafana Bafana squad to face Zimbabwe and Ghana in the final two FIFA World Cup Group G qualifiers.
In-form Kaizer Chiefs attacker Keagan Dolly is included in the Belgian’s final squad after impressing in the DStv Premiership in recent weeks. Ahly forward Percy Tau also returns after being omitted due to a hamstring injury previously in a World Cup qualifier double-header against Ethiopia.
South Africa face Zimbabwe at home on 11 November before travelling to Ghana to face the four-time AFCON winners three days later for what’s expected to be the group G decider.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (SuperSport United), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu FC) Bruce Bvuma (Kaizer Chiefs)
Defenders: Sydney Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Rushine De Reuck (Mamelodi Sundowns), Terrence Mashego (Cape Town City), Njabulo Blom (Kaizer Chiefs), Siyanda Xulu (Hapoel Tel Aviv), Njabulo Ngcobo (Kaizer Chiefs), Sifiso Hlanti (Kaizer Chiefs), Thibang Phete (Belenenses)
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (SuperSport United), Thabani Zuke (Golden Arrows), Sphephelo Sithole (Belenenses), Yusuf Maart (Sekhukhune), Ethan Brooks (TS Galaxy), Mduduzi Mdantsane (Cape Town City), Keagan Dolly (Kaizer Chiefs)
Strikers: Evidence Makgopa (Baroka FC), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Maritzburg Utd), Victor Letsoalo (Royal AM), Percy Tau (Al Ahly), Pule Mmodi (Golden Arrows), Fagrie Lakay (Cape Town City) — KickOff.com
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter