AB BASSON
AmaTuks’ poor home form continued when the team lost to Black Leopards 2-1 over the weekend.
AmaTuks took on the Limpopo team at TuksStadium on 24 November.UP’s side was looking to secure their first home victory of the 2012/2013 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season. AmaTuks went into the game after drawing 0-0 against Free State Stars at an away game. . In their last match, Black Leopards were beaten 4-0 at home by defending champions Orlando Pirates, and were keen to turn their season around in Pretoria.
The game was fast paced from the start. Bongani Zungu and Mame Niang went close to scoring for AmaTuks in the first 10 minutes, but neither could find the net. Tuks captain Tebogo Monyai also nearly scored after he received a cross from Aubrey Ngoma in the box, forcing a brilliant save from Black Leopards goalkeeper Azwindini Maphaha. AmaTuksgrew frustrated when they could not break the deadlock. Black Leopards took a one-goal lead just after the 30-minute mark.Black Leopard’s Rodney Ramagalela put his team in the lead. AmaTuks carried on applying pressure but could not score, allowing Black Leopards to go into the break with the lead.
In contrast to the first half, the second half got off to a slow start. Azwindini Maphaha, Black Leopards’ goalkeeper was stretchered off in the 49th minute. Neither team was able to settle into the second half quickly. The first chance of the half came from a Black Leopard’s corner. The resulting header went just over the AmaTuks goal. AmaTuks were rewarded for their determination when substitute David Radebe scored in the 80th minute. After a shot by Niang, Radebe found himself unmarked and was able to lob Black Leopards’ substitute goalkeeper to make the score line 1-1.
Both teams pushed for another goal as the match drew to a close. Black Leopards made use of a counter attack to score the winner in stoppage time. They were awarded a penalty when referee Jerome Damon judged Monyai to have handled the ball in the box. Ramagalela converted the set piece to win the game 2-1 for Black Leopards. Despite the loss, AmaTuks finished the week fifth on the table, while Black Leopards are ninth.
AmaTuks face fellow university side Bidvest Wits in Johannesburg next on 5 December at Bidvest Stadium at 19:30.
Image: www.mtnfootball.com
