Birds drop points at home
PLETTENBERG BAY -
Oriented Birds blew the chance to register their first home victory in the Western Cape ABC Motsepe League last weekend when they failed to defend their lead against Antalyaspor JPM Cape Town in their own backyard.
The Birds lost 2-1 to Antalyaspor at Kwanokuthula Stadium on Saturday afternoon, 2 December. Khanyisani Radebe scored the only goal for Oriented Birds, while Cole Schoeman scored two important goals for the visitors from the Mother City.
However, Oriented Birds shotstopper Siphosethu Nyunya played very well, putting in a solid performance between the posts denying a number of clearcut chances for the visiting side. The 22-year-old star, formerly from Black Cats in George, was one of the stand-out performers throughout the game. The former Premier Soccer League centre back Mario Booysen was one of the experienced players on the field. The 35-year-old defender started his professional football career with Ajax Cape
Town and played for various teams such Bloemfontein Celtics, Supersport United, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs in the top-tier football.
Great first half
The game got off to a good start with the visiting team soaking up the pressure from the Birds' attacks. Both teams were trying to get the ball rolling on the ground looking for the first goal of the game.
Oriented Birds players were attacking through the midfield and their strong attack paid off when they were awarded a set piece just outside the box.
Khanyisani Radebe then scored the opening goal to make it 1-0 after his powerful strike from their free kick beat Antalyaspor goalkeeper Clayton du Plessis.
The game went on with the visiting team grinding for the equalising goal just before halftime. With Oriented Birds still leading, no more goals had been netted when the whistle blew for the end of the first half.
Lacklustre second half
The second half started at a fast pace with both teams looking very sharp on the ball. The visitors created more chances down the flanks employing their strength on the ball, attacking Oriented Birds back line. The Birds kept fending off the strong attacks from Antalyaspor though.
An offensive set piece from the left side helped the visiting team to gain more confidence on the ball. Cole Schoeman netted their equalising goal to make it 1-1 with a powerful header inside the box.
Oriented Birds players were chasing the game looking for the winning goal, but they failed to break the net in the second half.
The men from the Mother City were playing attacking football hunting for the winning goal on the left wing. Schoeman scored his brace to make it 2-1 after a great cross into the box played in by Tiemie Mathew.
The game was still on with a few minutes left on the clock and Oriented Birds trailing. Both sides created more chances into the box looking for more goals, but the Oriented Birds failed to capitalise on their chances.
The Western Cape ABC Motsepe league match ended 2-1 with OB dropping points at home.