The game started at a low pace with both teams desperate for a three-pointer.

Kicks were the better side for virtually the entire first half with Aces struggling to keep the pace of their Free State hosts at bay.

Even though Kicks dominated the first stanza, they failed to penetrate the stubborn Aces defence, ably marshalled by the experienced captain Mokete Tsotetsi.

Aces’ Bulu, making a rare start, was yellow carded for handling the ball in the 34 minutes. The resultant free-kick whizzed over the ball and it seemed that all the dominance that Kicks had would remain pure stats.

Both teams went into the interval with the score at 0-0 - with both teams failing to create real scoring opportunities.

Second Half

In the 48th minutes, Carara’s keeper Vries, was forced into a terrific save as he parried a Bulu rocket-shot, struck from just outside the 18 yards box, over the bar and out for a corner kick.

Vusi Gwanya stretched his long hands to deny Mvelase one-on-one, following a through pass from Motaung in the 52nd minute.

In the 54th minute Ayanda Lubelo was substituted by Koketso Motaung and the change coincided with a possessional change as Aces started dominating.

In the 66th minute, Gwanya again saved a near certain goal as he stretched his hands to deny Mvula and his rebound attempt hit the side net.

In the 68th minute, Bulu was substituted for Linekar Mwiikisa and 5 minutes later Kicks introduced Mohlabayi for Mvelase.

With the game heading for a stalemate, Kicks’ Nomandela broke the ice following a brilliant individual move and beat the keeper before passing the ball in the back of the net to make it 1-0.

A few seconds after a restart and with Kicks still celebrating, AmaZayoni’s super-sub Linekar Mwikisa scored after he out run the home defence. It was his third goal for Aces and how crucial it may become as the season winds down.

Aces made their final substitution in the 84th minute, introducing Walter Ramulondi for Bhengu.

In the 86th minute Kicks made two substitution introducing both Nyapuli and Rammutsoe for Motaung and Nomandela.

In the 90+1 Mvula was yellow carded for pushing the opponents and three minutes later Aces thought they had earned a penalty and were dissapointed when the ref both turned the appeal down and also blew the final whistle.

The final score was 1-1.

MP Black Aces: (4:4:2)
Gwanya – Madidilane, Tsotetsi, Tlhomelang, Mohlaka – Majafa, Khanyile, Lubelo (Mmotong 54’), Bengu (Ramulondi 84’) – Bulu (Mwiikisa 68’), Maleka

Subs not used: Naicker (RGK), Musasa, Nozozo, Motau, Sangweni

Carara Kicks: (4:5:1)
Vries – Mosebo, Mkandawire, Kelepu, Sekhukhuni – Mvelase, Noqazo, Baloyi, Nomandela – Mvula, Motaung