FOOTBALL NEWS - The battle between Ramaphosa and Burning Fire ended on a high note when the two teams played a 2-2 draw on Sunday afternoon, 14 July, at the Lawaaikamp Stadium. The four goals were scored by Anathi Mcokombana and Bandile Jwaqa for Ramaphosa and by Siphenkosi Kanafana for Burning Fire. Both teams are fighting for the top five on the Geolfa League table.
Burning Fire started on the attack on the left side of the field, with left wing Anesipho Mtyukwini trying to unlock Siyabonga Gxokoshe, Ramaphosa FC's right back, but Gxokoshe defended very well, closing the space. The sensational Ndumiso Siwaphiwe of Burning Fire tried to keep the ball on the ground on the right side of the field. Ramza's Bandile "Sangweni" Jwaqa received a clever pass from the centre of the field but his cross was denied by goalkeeper Siphosethu Khanyela.
Burning Fire's line was exposed when Sibusiso Matikiti of Ramaphosa played in a million-dollar pass from the left side of the field; he found Anathi Mcokombana inside the box and Mcokombana scored the first goal of the game.
An attempt by Burning Fire failed when Zizipho Mtyukwini's shot went over the crossbar. Anesipho Mtyukwini of Burning Fire drove a powerful strike just outside the box and beat the goalkeeper, but he hit the woodwork. Burning Fire responded with a strong attack, but failed to score with Siwaphiwe missing the target.
Siphenkosi Kanafana of Burning Fire scored the second goal of the game to equalise. Burning Fire's Siwaphiwe kicked a bicycle kick but his shot was well saved by Anele Mtana. The first half ended 1-1.
Both teams were cautious going into the second half. Kanafana of Burning Fire drove a powerful header looking for the goal but his shot went wide. Ramza got an opportunity when two Burning Fire defenders collided, but failed to control the ball. Ramza received another free kick just outside the eighteen area but Bandile Jwaqa's shot went over the cross bar. Melisizwe Mbomvana launched a strong attack on the right side of the field, but Burning Fire successfully defended, forcing a corner for Ramaphosa, who failed to score.
Jwaqa scored a second goal just outside the box to make it 2-1 after a marvellous pass from the left side of the field. Kanafana came back with strong attacks on Ramza's back line and managed to score the second goal for Burning Fire, equalising the score. Ramaphosa received the last chance of the game with a free kick just outside the box, but Jwaqa's shot went over the cross bar.
The game ended 2-2.
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