Group A has become a tight affair in the 2015 SAFA Second Division / ABC Motsepe League National Plays-Offs currently underway in Kimberly, Northern Cape.
At the end of Day 2, all teams but one – Milford FC – had one their matches.
Following wins for Glendene United and Roses United on Day 1, Mbombela United, who were playing their first match in the tournament, saw off a tough-as-teak Glendene United while African All Stars also registered a win.
All Stars lost their first match on Monday, 20 July but made amends on Tuesday, 21 July by winning 2-1 in the earlier clash. Mbombela ran riot, emerging 3-1 victors.
In another entertaining match, it took African All Stars 89 minutes to find the back of the net against Roses after missing numerous chances – the goal coming from Lebohang Maboe.
The second match of the day proved a closely-contested affair between Glendene United and Mbombela United, with both sides having a go at each other.
So tough and fast-paced was this match that eigth yellow cards were dished out by the referee – thre to Glendene and five to Mbombela United.
The Mpumalanga side took the lead in the 11th minute through a Victor Shongwe penalty.
Mbombela United increased their lead following a neatly-worked move before Siyathemba Mnguni slotted in the second goal.
After the break Glendene took control of the proceedings and were awarded for their when second half substitute Taonga Dondo reduced the deficit in the 69th minute from the penalty spot.
But with their never-say-die attitude, Mbombela piled on the pressure. They hit the cross bar on one occasion before Shongwe’s penalty kick – the third of the match – was saved by the reliable Gershwin Kock.
But Kock should shoulder the blame for the third goal which took the wind out of the Capetonians – he let slip a shot that came straight at him and Mlungisi Nkosi was on hand to tap into the empty net in the 84th minute – giving Mbombela breating space and a 3-1 win at the final whistle.
The result means Glendene United, Mbombela United, Roses United and All Stars have won a match each – and are tied on three points each. Despite playing only one match, Mbombela have shot to the top of the table thanks to their three goals, followed by Roses United, African Stars and Glendene United. Fifth-placed Milford are yet to register a win – but have a match in hand. They lost 2-1 to Roses United on Day 1.
Action moves to De Beers Stadium on Day 3 – Wednesday, 22 July.
There will be four matches on offer, with Group B also kicking off their campaign.