Nascimento a right Royal hero
ROYAL AM (1) 2 Stoffels 45, Nascimento 92 MARUMO GALLANTS (1) 2
Ndlondlo 15 Dion 52
RICARDO Nascimento scored a lastminute equaliser as Thwihli Thwahla fought back twice to salvage a Premiership point against Gallants at the Chatsworth Stadium yesterday.
The 35-year-old was quickest to the ball after Washington Arubi had parried a Mfundo Thikazi shot, ending a run of consecutive defeats for the home side.
One of Bahlabane Ba Ntwa’s best players last season, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo showed great awareness to break the deadlock in the 15th minute of the match. Ndlondlo capitalised on a lapse in concentration in the Gallants defence, receiving a pass at the edge of box after a poor clearance by the goalkeeper.
He then toe-poked his effort into the top corner with goalkeeper Xolani Ngcobo unable to stop him.
Lesvin Stoffels, in his first start of the season, levelled matters on the stroke of half-time after relentless pressure from the home side.
The 34-year-old finished expertly as he curled his effort into the top corner with Gallants defenders lining up to block his effort.
Gallants caught Royal napping once more and grabbed the lead through Sede Junior Dion in the 51st minute.
The Ivory Coast international leapt highest at the front post and connected perfectly with a Celimpilo Ngema cross to power his side back into the lead.
Royal have found themselves with more questions than answers in recent games, but coach Dan Malesela looked to plot the downfall of his former side Gallants with a few personnel changes ahead of the game, with the heavy schedule also playing a contributing factor.
Gallants have not been one of the most entertaining and expansive teams to watch in the Premiership so far, but they were determined to improve on their single goal in three games, making a quick start and constantly posing danger to the home side.
The two sides attacked at high intensity and gave each other every chance to grab the next goal, but the relentless end-to-end manner of the game meant the 2-2 draw reflected the true essence of the match.