City will feel that they should’ve sneaked it
CAPE TOWN CITY missed out on a chance to go top of the PSL standings as they could only manage a 1-1 draw with Baroka FC at the Cape Town Stadium last night.
On the balance of play, City will feel they should have sneaked it, as they had the better chances, especially after going a goal down, but Baroka, it has to be said, gave as good as they got.
The team from Polokwane are the surprise log leaders of the PSL – and, if you were wandering why, then their performance last night, would have been ample proof as to why they are in such an elevated position in the league.
The game got off to a lively opening five minutes, with Baroka impressing with some neat football. The Polokwane side played with verve and used a short, sharp passing style to get beyond the City defence. During one such attack, Talent Chawaphiwa created a moment of uncertainty in the City penalty area, but, fortunately, the Capetonians were able to clear the danger.
But once things settled down, both teams made sure they kept things tight and compact. Both defences were organised and kept shape, and scoring chances were few and far between in the opening 45 minutes.
For City, Mpho Matsi headed an attempt over the bar, while Robin Ngalande drilled one wide for Baroka.
But Baroka came out with intent in the second half and carved out three chances in the opening few minutes. Leonard Ntshangase was foiled by a superb tackle from City captain Robyn Johannes, Ngalande headed over and Ntshangase flashed an attempt high.
But the pressure eventually told and Baroka stormed into the lead, with Ngalande steering a sweet shot low into the corner of the net.
The setback served to awaken City from their slumber and they threw players forward with abandon, in search of an equaliser.
Substitute Ayanda Patosi whipped a shot over the bar and Letsie Koapeng was desperately unlucky when his goal-bound effort was blocked by the Baroka defence.
Again, though, the relentless pressure had an effect, and it was rookie Craig Martin who got the all-important goal to level the score for City.
And the chances kept coming as City grabbed the game by the scruff - Patosi shot agonizingly wide, Koapeng fumbled an inviting chance inside the five-yard area, and Baroka goalkeeper Virgil Vries made a brilliant save to deny his own captain, Olaleng Shaku, from scoring a sensational own goal.
City finished well on top, but were just unable to find the winner.