Modimolle Aces were lucky to escape with a point in their Vodacom Promotional League match against Basel FC at the Malamulele Stadium on Saturday.

Although the scoreboard was still blank when the referee blew the final whistle, there was maximum entertainment throughout the game.

As usual, Basel squandered countless obvious scoring opportunities, much to the disappointment of the team’s fans. Basel's vastly experienced striker, Jafta Mabosho, was out of touch and the team’s head coach, Mr Justice Mtileni, blundered by letting Mabosho to play until the end of the first half.

The second half saw Aces display entertaining football and thus initiate some dangerous moves from the middle of the park. Basel replaced Jafta Mabosho and Lebohang Sithole with Reason Maluleke and Khumbudzo Muvhango respectively.

Things turned against Aces when their defender, Boy Letoaba, was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence in the 58th minute. Basel later introduced Louis Chauke for Gift Ramaxwaila in a bid to strengthen their striking force.

Mashudu Mafunisa of Basel handled the ball within his own penalty box and the referee, Mr Deon Mphuma, awarded a penalty to Aces, but Mfundisi Chauke shot wide. Basel missed a fortune in the dying minutes when Louis Chauke shot straight to the keeper after winning a loose ball.