30 January 2019 – Mikhado dropped from second to third place at Rabali Stadium in Nzhelele as they were held 1-1 by Ditlou in an action-packed Limpopo ABC Motsepe League showdown on Tuesday, 29 January.
Mikhado has collected 15 points out of the possible 24 at home this season. It was the fourth time Kwasha Fhedzi’ was denied three points at their home turf.
Ditlou’s goalkeeper, Sanele Masephula, was forced into action with barely 10 minutes into the game when Lutendo Mavhona’s attempt from close range was parried away by the alert shot-stopper.
Five minutes later, Lucky Mkhari’s first-time volley skimmed inches above Masephula’s goals as the hosts continued to string a number of goal scoring opportunities in search of an opener.
Mkhari again came close to breaking the deadlock after a cut back pass by Khuthadzo Tshikundamalema found him unmarked with the keeper to beat but squandered his.
Mikhado broke the deadlock with seven minutes to halftime through Mkhari who calmly guided the ball past Masephula from the inner box after poor defending by the visitors. The strike saw Mikhado go into halftime with a 1-0 lead.
The second half started in similar fashion to the first, Mikhado continued to create a lot of chances with the diminutive former Black Leopards playmaker Ndamulelo Mugadi pulling the strings from an advanced midfield role.
Masephana misjudged a high cross into his box which then fell kindly to the unmarked Mavhona, only for the midfielder to head his effort way over the bar to Masephana’s relief.
Ditlou found a way back into the contest, with a little help from Mkhari. The man whose goal was the difference between the two sides by then was sent off on the hour mark for two reckless challenges in a space of six minutes.
Ditlou continued to gain momentum as the game proceeded. Lack of concentration saw Ditlou punishing I Kwasha Fhedzi with only three minutes to full time.
Tutu Takalo restored parity for Ditlou as he beat Mikhado’s number one with a stunning volley, one from the top drawer. The Elephant’s midfielder struck the ball from outside the box and it came off beneath the crossbar before connecting with the roof of the net.
The visitors were also reduced to 10-men in stoppage time when Thulani Chezi was booked for a reckless challenge from behind..
Click here to view the full Limpopo ABC Motsepe League midweek results and updated league table.