GEORGE NEWS - Raul Stars, the youthful team from Zone 9, Thembalethu, sank Abahlali FC 3-1 in a Geolfa League encounter on Sunday afternoon, 10 March at Lawaaikamp Stadium.
Yamkela Mhambi Sivuyisiwe Ntini and Tebogo Thabaneng netted the three goals for Raul Stars, while Sphelo Matiya scored the only goal for the "residents", Abahlali FC.
Abahlali started the game with an attack on the right side of the field using the speed of their flanks with Raul Stars aiming to get their first goal playing the ball on the ground. With fast ball handling, Ndyebo Ngcwangu of Abahlali beat the Raul Stars right back and managed to get a corner kick on the left side of the field, but Abahlali failed to score.
Raul Stars received a throw-in on the right side of the field creating more chances to get into the box. Fanele "Mido" Chele of Abahlali tried his shot from the centre line of the field, but his strike went over the bar.
Yamkela Mhambi of Raul Stars scored the first goal to make it 1-0 after a great free kick just outside the box. The Zone 9 team were fighting for the equalising goal and tried to come back into the game, but failed to break through the Raul Stars defenders. The pulsating first half of the game ended 1-0, Raul Stars leading.
Sphelo Matiya (right) of Abahlali FC controls the ball against the Raul Stars right back. Photo: Zama Gagu
Both teams had clear-cut opportunities in the first ten minutes of the game, but failed to capitalise on them.
The second half of the game started on a high note with both teams looking very smart on the ball. Raul Stars players were pressing for the second goal. They received a penalty after a dangerous foul from Abahlali FC goalkeeper Abongile Zinganto, and Sivuyisiwe Ntini scored his penalty to make it 2-0.
Abahlali FC players were defending a strong attack from Raul Stars wingers. The Zone 9 team concentrated on creating more opportunities to get their first goal of the game, succeeding when Sphelo Matiya scored, making it 2-1.
Raul Stars kept on pushing on the left wing and Tebogo Thabaneng netted the third goal to make it 3-1.
No more goals were scored and the game ended 3-1 with Raul Stars collecting full points, extending their lead at the top of the Geolfa League table.
Bright future
Lisakhanya Ntlati (17) of Raul Stars, a Grade 10 learner from Jonga High School, played well in the centre of the field creating more chances for his side. Ntlati told George Herald that he wants to follow his football dream after finishing his studies. He said that his wish is to play in the Premier Soccer League and support his family.
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