Jembula goal breaks hearts of Highlands

Polokwane City’s Sipho Jembula denied Highlands Park maximum points when his stoppage-time goal saw the teams share the spoils at Makhulong Stadium yesterday afternoon.

An early goal by Namibian attacker Peter Shalulile seemed to have sealed the victory for the Lions of the North on his return from an injury, but City substitute Jembule was the hero for City, earning the team a vital point.

With Highlands coming into the match on a three-match winless streak, it was crucial for the home side to start picking up points as they look to move out of the relegation zone.

The draw saw Highlands take their point tally to 14 and as they remain on 15th spot in the league table.

Meanwhile, for Rise and Shine, the draw sees the club go into sixth spot with 23 points.

The Limpopo-based outfit have enjoyed quite a decent start in the first round, as the team are looking to finish the season in the top five.

Coming into the game, the home team started the game on a positive note, with Shalulile opening the scoring in the third minute following a Siyabonga Nhlapo cross from the right wing.

In the 30th minute, veteran Striker Rodney Ramagalela almost scored for City, but the striker was unfortunate to see his beautifully curled ball hit the bar.

Towards half-time, Edwin Sitayitayi should have increased the lead for Highlands after going through on goal with only the keeper to beat, but he wasted the opportunity.

Highlands were pinned down in defence in the second period as City went in search for an equaliser, however the home side’s back four managed to remain firm up until a wonderful stoppage-time strike by Jembula who beat Tapuwa Kapini on his left side.