Complacency by the Rospa United players after scoring their second goal led to the team’s conceding an equalizing goal on the stroke of full time. The Safa Second Division League match ended in a 2-2 draw at the Makwarela Stadium on Sunday.

Kenneth “Mabena” Lesia of Rospa United scored a brace in the match.

The coach of United, Mr Benjamin Mhlaba, committed suicide by allowing the team’s captain, Mashudu Mashapha, to play until the end of the first half, while it was evident that the player was out of touch. United drew first blood in the 24th minute. Bheki Sukazi crossed the ball from the left corner into the box, from where Mabena Lesia beat the keeper with a half-volley.

Samuel Moulua of Rospa United was booked four minutes later. Winners Park regrouped from behind, creating some defence-splitting moves as they approached the opponents’ danger area. Their effort did not pass without reward as they found the equalizer in the 36th minute. Eric Mankga finished off a rebound after the United keeper, Khathalani Chauke, mishandled the ball, following Johnny Soko’s ground cutter.

United introduced Kirsten Mathole for Mashudu Mashapha early in the last half. They also replaced Edgar Dumazi with Gift Ramaxwaila.

United’s long-serving midfielder, Ndumeliso Mabulele, dished a pre-cooked pass to Mabena Lesia, who was in a perfect scoring position. Lesia pretended he wanted to unleash and the keeper went the opposite direction, allowing the giant striker to score easily.

Although time was not on their side, Winners Park did not stop fighting. They abandoned their positions and invaded the United territory, prescribing the terms as they pleased. Confusion and frustration in the United defence gave birth to the visitors’ equalizing silly goal on the stroke of full time.