Khubvi Dangerous Darkies rose to the occasion and held the log-leaders, Makwarela Development Stars, to a thrilling 1-1draw in their SAB League match at the FNB Makwarela Stadium on Sunday.

Darkies were nervous in the first 10 minutes, until they realized that there was nothing to fear and started to play like a united team.

It was a little late at that stage, as Development Stars had already made their mark. Their goal was scored by Phindulo Muthige. A heartbreaking scramble within the Darkies’ danger area gave rise to a goal after Phindulo Muthige finished off a rebound.

Darkies did not give up, despite conceding an early goal. Instead, they put extra effort into their search for the equaliser. The keeper of Stars, Emmanuel Mathobo, handled a back pass next to the goal line. Referee Deon Mphuma awarded a free kick to Darkies. Livhuwani Netshivhodza scored from the free kick to make it 1-1 in the 34th minute.

The first yellow card for the day was flashed to Rofhiwa Netshitungulu of Darkies. He challenged Khuliso Marubini with his studs up and the referee was quick to produce yellow. The keeper of Darkies, Maanda Munyai, was lucky to go away with a yellow card after kicking Collins Madlalati intentionally. The referee awarded a free kick to Stars within the box, following the incident. Poor planning was the reason for the Stars’ failure to convert the free kick.

Dangerous Darkies later introduced Mashudu Mbedzi for Thinandavha Munyai, a move that worked against the team as Mbedzi was out of form. The captain of Darkies, Avhatakali Tshivhase, was also reprimanded with a card, following a dangerous tackle on Mulalo Matshidze.