After losing 0-1 to Rockers FC at the Makwarela Stadium two weeks ago, Univen FC continued to drop league points last Saturday. They were held to a 1-1 draw with Thohoyandou Development in their MMK Funeral Services match at the University of Venda open ground.

Univen were lucky not to concede an avalanche of goals. The visitors were by far the better side when it came to possession of the ball. Matodzi Tshirangwana was a thorn in the flesh of the Univen defence. He was everywhere, collecting balls from behind and assisting the midfielders at the same time by distributing some dangerous passes to the goal poachers.

The pressure continued to mount against the defenders of Univen and it was not surprising to see them concede three corner kicks in quick succession. The scoreboard was still blank at half time, despite numerous attempts by the strikers of Development.

Thohoyandou Development took the lead in the 54th minute. Their slender striker, Given Mudau, beat the offside trap and ran straight to the keeper. As if they were spectators, the defenders of Univen accompanied him until he unleashed a ground cutter from close range.

Univen suffered a heavy blow when their number one goalkeeper, Eugene Mbedzi, sustained a knee injury in the 65th minute. Mulalo Ragadza of Development was reprimanded with a card for wasting time and Hector Dama of Development was booked after a heated argument with Referee Kenneth Makondo.

Univen found the equalizer in the 69th minute. Madilonga Mukwevho scored with a header after a corner kick by Mutali Mulaudzi.

The coach of Univen, Mr Mashudu “Coolio” Ndou, watched the last 20 minutes of the game from outside the fence. He was given his marching orders for using abusive words towards the first assistant referee. Ofhani Nelukalo of Univen was also booked for obstruction late in the game.