Aces really pressurised the FC AK’s defence and this really created for some panicky and error ridden defending by the opponents.

AK’s first shot on goal came in the 23rd minute and from long range. Vusi Gwanya dealt with his first touch of the ball well.

Unbelievably and quite remarkably, FC AK had a player playing on the left midfield who only had one arm! Number 15 was a little magician and his passes were short of being brilliant.

Ayanda Lubelo had another supercharged game and his runs were simply fantastic to watch. In the 37th minute he literally ran through a huge hole in their defence and his whipped in cross just flew wide of the goal.

Ayanda combined well with Roger Majafa and Aces used the left side to start most of their attacks. In the 42nd minute the same combination punched a huge hole in AK’s defence and the cross again went wide.

Second Half

Koketso Mmotong replaced an out-of-sorts Siphamandla Sangweni in the 50th minute and his pace was immediately evident as he raced down the right flank and completely outstripped the AK’s defence.

In the 51st minute Lottie Phiri collected a second yellow card in what looked to be a rather innocuous decision. He allegedly stood on his opponents boots in a wall which had assembled for an Aces free kick. The linesman, who was a full 30 meters from the action called over the referee and Phiri was off for an early shower.

Aces immediately played a 4-4-1 formation and unbelievably looked far more dangerous. It was as if the sending off had stung the boys into playing better ball.

Eddie Williams tweaked a hamstring and was replaced by "Director" Khanyile in the 60th minute. A minute later, Ayanda again pushes forward and unleashes a ferocious shot that is well saved by the AK glove-man.

The Phiri sending off ignited AmaZayoni who were were rampant and playing with purpose.

Much against the run of play, Aces defence get punished in the 64th minute when they hash a clearance and despite a good save from Vusi Gwanya, FC AK score from an easy tap-in from the rebound. 1-0 to FC AK

The game then opens up with Aces throwing caution to the wind and going for broke while AK looked at turning defence into offence – real end-to-end stuff.

Aces get a penalty in the 72nd minute, after the ball was handled in the area after an AmaZayoni curling corner. Aces top marksman, "Ace" Bhengu steps up and calmly slots the ball in for the equaliser and his 10th of the season. 1-1

Sakala sensing a victory, replaced Lubelo for Linekar Mwiikisa in the 82nd minute.

There was a frantic last couple of minutes with FC AK seemingly trying to shut up shop and being content for a draw. Despite Aces numerical disadvantage, they did finish the stronger team and had it not been for Phiri’s sending off, Aces should have won this game.

Tsotetsi, courtesy of a second half yellow card, will be suspended for the next match, as will Lottie Phiri.

Black Aces
Gwanya, Madidilani, Tsotetsi, Kannemeyer, Mohlaka, Majafa, Williams (C) (Khanyile 61’), Lubelo (Mwiikisa 82’), Bhengu, Sangweni (Mmotong 51’), Phiri.

Substitutes not used: Naicker (RGK), Musasa, Masuku, Bulu.