Polokwane City Highlands Park PSL

Peter Shalulile of Highlands Park challenged by Denis Chembezi of Polokwane City during the Absa Premiership 2019/20 match between Polokwane City and Highlands Park at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on 22 August 2020. ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Polokwane City 1-1 Highlands Park: PSL highlights and results

Polokwane City let a lead slip in their quest for PSL survival as Peter Shalulile earned Highlands Park a point with his 14th goal of the season.

Polokwane City Highlands Park PSL

Peter Shalulile of Highlands Park challenged by Denis Chembezi of Polokwane City during the Absa Premiership 2019/20 match between Polokwane City and Highlands Park at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on 22 August 2020. ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Polokwane City and Highlands Park played to a 1-1 draw in a PSL fixture that came alive during the second half at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday 22 August.

Polokwane City vs Highlands Park: PSL match report

While both sides showed great energy early on the first 15 minutes of the match did not see a shot taken in anger.

Musa Nyatama unleashed a long-range effort in the 16th minute, but it flew well wide of the Polokwane City goal.

Wayde Jooste was the first to draw a save out of George Chigova moments later.

Highlands Park created consistent goal threats, and Mlungisi Mbunjana hit his free-kick on target, but Chigova was equal to it. 

Polokwane City created their best chances just before half time, but Nicholas Motlloung couldn’t get enough power on his header while Njabulo Buthelezi forced Kapini to get down sharply four minutes from the end of the first half.

Mbatha found leading scorer for Highlands Park, Peter Shalulile, in stoppage time but the striker couldn’t execute his turn and get a shot away.

Neither side could break the deadlock, and they went into the break locked at 0-0.

Half time – Polokwane City vs Highlands Park: PSL match report

The second half started with decent build-up play from Highlands Park, but the final ball couldn’t be found at least in the early stages of the half.

Mashumba appeared to get the last touch as Polokwane City finally found a quality ball into the box, and the ball was bundled into the net to give the Limpopo side the lead. Replays showed it was an own-goal.

Watch: Mzava gifts Polokwane City a 1-0 lead

Polokwane City 1-1 Highlands Park PSL highlights

Shalulile turned up in Highlands Park’s moment of need once again with the striker scoring his 14th goal of the campaign to level the scores.

Watch: Shalulile heads Highlands Park’s equaliser

Chigova had to pull out a great diving save to keep Shalulile from scoring a go-ahead goal for Highlands Park in the 77th minute.

Highlands Park and Polokwane City both looked eager to grab a winner but also needed to protect their position.

The result moves Polokwane City off the bottom of the table on goal difference. Highlands Park move above Cape Town City into seventh on the PSL table.

Polokwane City are next in action against Bloem Celtic next Sunday 30 August. The Lions of the North will tackle Maritzburg United next Saturday 29 August.

Polokwane City squad

Starting XI: Chigova, Nkili, Buthelezi, Motloung, Chembezi, Manaka, Mvelase, Nene, Tlolane, Mahlasela, Mashumba.

Subs: Phali, Semenya, Phiri, Chauke, Nku, Musona, Maluleka, Anas.

Highlands Park squad

Starting XI: Kapini, Mbhele, Makhaula, Fransman, Mbunjana, Mzava, Munyai, Nyatama, Mbatha, Jooste, Shalulile.

Subs: Heugh, Motlafi, Ramagalela, Mogaila, Mokoena, Msimango, Mvala, Thalente, Rae.