Basel and Stars in thrilling draw

In their Vodacom Promotional League match at the Eltivillas grounds on Saturday, Phungo All Stars shared the spoils with Basel FC, following their 1-1 draw.

Basel could not play their normal carpet football, as the Stars picked up every single ball from behind, thus forcing the opponents to play defensively. Basel's fast forward, Jafta Mabosho, could not live up to the supporters’ expectations as he was tightly marked.

Phungo All Stars were the first to find the net. They were awarded a free kick outside the box. Hulisani Mathugana tried his luck and the Basel keeper, Mashudu Mafunisa, watched helplessly as the ball hit the back of the net.

The Tzaneen-based referee, Quality Kgapane, became a laughing stock moments later. He remained silent at a time when everyone thought he would blow the whistle and award Basel a penalty. This, after a defender of Stars handled the ball intentionally within the box. Instead of blowing the whistle, Kgapane waved a play-on signal as if nothing had happened.

His decision was an insult to the Basel supporters as they started shouting abusive words towards the match officials.

Basel fought back in the 34th minute. They were awarded a penalty after a defender of All Stars handled the ball within the box. Khumbudzo Muvhango made no mistake to make it 1-1. The home side was reduced to10 men after Hulisani Mathugana was given his marching orders, following a continued argument with the referee.

Realising that their winning chances were slim, All Stars abandoned their positions and employed a defensive pattern. All Stars managed to keep Basel out of their danger area up to the bitter end, despite all the odds.