Polokwane beat Tuks to end winless streak

Polokwane City recorded their first win away from home this season with a 2-1 victory over the University of Pretoria in an Absa Premiership encounter at Tuks stadium on Saturday evening.

Vukile Mngqibisa and Thobani Mncwango scored for Polokwane City before Thapel oTshilo netted a late own goal but Rise and Shine held on to secure their first away win in 13 attempts.

Geofrey Massa and Raymond Monama were named the starting XI for the hosts while Buhle Mkhwanazi returned to his more familiar role in defence, slotting in alongside Siyabonga Shoyisa with Tebogo Monyai dropping to the bench.

Itumeleng Motsiane and Sipho Jembula were the only changes to the Polokwane City side that were held to a 1-1 draw by Free State Stars last time out.

Puleng Tlolane and Thabo Rakhale were named among the substitutes.

The home side dominated proceedings in the first half but were unable to find a way past City’s defence and were punished for failing to convert their chances into goals on the stroke of halftime.

Mpho Matsi blazed an attempt over the bar from range before Nyondo missed a golden chance to open the scoring in the 17th minute.

Geofrey Massa’s powerful attempt from the edge of the area was spilled by Modiri Marumo into the path of Nyondo but the Malawian failed to latch onto the rebound.

AmaTuks continued to boss possession as the half grew on with Polokwane happy to sit back and hit on the counter.

Rise and Shine were awarded a controversial penalty-kick on the cusp of halftime. The referee adjudged that Buhle Mkhwanazi brought Jembula down unfairly inside the area when it seemed as if the Bafana Bafana defender in fact won the ball.

The penalty though stood, Vukile Mngqibisa stepped up and converted with confidence to give the visitors the lead at the break.

AmaTuks pressed forward in search of the equaliser and Monama probably should’ve levelled matters on the hour mark but the on-loan Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder could only manage to direct his attempt wide from close range after cleverly beating the off-side trap.

The home side’s attacking intent left them vulnerable on the counter and it was through this manner that Rise and Shine scored the decisive goal in the 90th minute. Thabo Rakhale broke down the right flank before picking out Thobani Mncwango who finished from close range.

Thapelo Tshilo scored a late own goal but City held on to leapfrog Free State Stars into 14th spot.

University of Pretoria (0) 1 (Tshilo 90’og)

Polokwane City (1) 2 (Mngqibisa 54’ Mncwango 90’)

University of Pretoria: Arubi; Kekana, Mkhwanazi, Shoyisa, Sibande, Mosadi, Ketjijere (Mathosi 87’), Matsi, Monama (Mnyamane 61’), Nyondo (Selolwane 87’), Massa

Polokwane City: Marumo, Mthimkulu, Mngqibisa, Tshilo, Molekwane, Jembula (Rakhale 77’), Sibande, Motsiane (Tshikovhi 89’), Moyana, Mncwango, Kanyenda (Tlolane 66’)