Free State Stars mounted a late comeback as they rallied from two goals down to clinch a 2-2 draw with SuperSport United at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday night.
The hosts raced into a two-goal lead thanks goals from Kingston Nkhatha and Thuso Phala which came in the space of three first-half minutes. However, Ea Lla Koto clawed their way back into the contest late on, with Jurie Basie reducing the deficit before fellow substitute Hendrik Somaeb secured a share of the spoils just two minutes from full-time.
Matsatsantsa started the contest on the front foot and claimed the lead after just seven minutes when debutant Nkhatha latched on to Phala's chipped pass before drilling home.
Stars were still reeling from the opener when SuperSport struck again two minutes later. Phala collected a neat pass from David Mathebula before firing in a curling effort from long range.
The hosts raced into a two-goal lead thanks goals from Kingston Nkhatha and Thuso Phala which came in the space of three first-half minutes. However, Ea Lla Koto clawed their way back into the contest late on, with Jurie Basie reducing the deficit before fellow substitute Hendrik Somaeb secured a share of the spoils just two minutes from full-time.
Matsatsantsa started the contest on the front foot and claimed the lead after just seven minutes when debutant Nkhatha latched on to Phala's chipped pass before drilling home.
Stars were still reeling from the opener when SuperSport struck again two minutes later. Phala collected a neat pass from David Mathebula before firing in a curling effort from long range.
The visitors hit back with two chances of their own, but Danny Venter saw his goal-bound effort saved by Ronwen Williams in the SuperSport goal before Moffat Mdluli headed wide from Daniel Cardoso's inviting cross.
However, it was Gordon Igesund's men who ended the first stanza in the ascendancy, with David Mathebula and Dove Wome both going close to extending the hosts' advantage.
Despite being two goals down, away from home, Free State Stars didn't let their heads drop and their determined attitude was rewarded handsomely in the final stages of the Premiership clash.
Goalkeeper Glenn Verbauwhede played a crucial role in ensuring his side stayed in the contest, though, as he did well to deny both David Mathebula and Thuso Phala.
Substitute Basie sparked the comeback when he converted a left-footed effort in the 78th minute, Danny Venter providing the crucial final ball.
And the comeback was completed with two minutes left on the clock as fellow substitute Somaeb latched on to a through pass from Camaldine Abraw before chipping the ball over the advancing Williams and into the back of the net.
However, it was Gordon Igesund's men who ended the first stanza in the ascendancy, with David Mathebula and Dove Wome both going close to extending the hosts' advantage.
Despite being two goals down, away from home, Free State Stars didn't let their heads drop and their determined attitude was rewarded handsomely in the final stages of the Premiership clash.
Goalkeeper Glenn Verbauwhede played a crucial role in ensuring his side stayed in the contest, though, as he did well to deny both David Mathebula and Thuso Phala.
Substitute Basie sparked the comeback when he converted a left-footed effort in the 78th minute, Danny Venter providing the crucial final ball.
And the comeback was completed with two minutes left on the clock as fellow substitute Somaeb latched on to a through pass from Camaldine Abraw before chipping the ball over the advancing Williams and into the back of the net.
By: Farai Diza
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