Baroka FC give their all to hold Chiefs to draw

BAROKA FC fought back to hold Kaizer Chiefs to a 2-2 stalemate in an Absa Premiership game at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday night.

The draw sees Bakgaga remain 16th on the league table following the entertaining match, while Amakhosi stay at fourth.

The match got off to an exciting start with both sides having chances at either end and it was Amakhosi who broke the deadlock.

Bernard Parker’s cross found Erick Mathoho inside the Baroka box and the defender scored with a tap-in to make it 1-0 to Chiefs six minutes into the game.

But Chiefs’ lead only lasted for four minutes as Bakgaga levelled matters through Sepana Letsoalo, who scored with a beautiful finish to make it 1-1.

The home side were looking lively after restoring parity against Amakhosi, who were forced to sit back and launch counter-attacks.

Chiefs did regain control of the match after the half-hour mark with Edmore Chirambadare forcing Baroka goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke into a good save with a great cross.

The visitors were awarded a penalty on the stroke of half time after Tsepo Masilela was fouled inside the Baroka box by Shaku Dineo Olaleng.

Former South Africa international Parker then stepped up and converted from the spot-kick to ensure that the first half ended with Chiefs leading 2-1.

Bakgaga had a promising start to the second half with Maboke Matlakala narrowly missing the target with a good header 11 minutes after the restart.

With their side trailing, the Baroka co-coaches, Milton Dlamini and Kgoloko Thobejane, decided to introduce Mxolisi Kunene.

Chiefs coach Steve Komphela responded by introducing Italian striker Gustavo Paez for veteran forward Parker eight minutes later. However, it was Kunene who proved to be a super substitute with 10 minutes left on the clock when he restored parity courtesy of a great individual effort.

Chiefs then pushed forward for the winning goal and Mathoho saw his header being fingertipped over the crossbar by Masuluke in the Baroka goal.

Both teams launched late attacks in search of a late winner, but, ultimately, settled for a draw. – Backpage TXT