Themba Sunrise Riders, who were reduced to 10 men in the first half, braved all the odds and held the pace setters, United Artists, to a goalless draw in the MMK Funeral Services League match at the Lufule grounds on Sunday.

The game was characterized by yellow cards. The referee, Mr Kenneth Makondo, flashed seven yellow cards and a red card during the game.

Aluwani Masala of Sunrise Riders was the first player to be reprimanded with a card. His infringement was a late tackle on Thomas Makhubele in the 11th minute. Although Masala was warned in the opening minutes of the game, he continued to demonstrate his rough skills. In the 24th minute, Masala did it again. This time around he obstructed Robert Baloyi and the referee gave him his marching orders.

Realizing that their scoring chances were slim, Sunrise Riders started to play defensive football and relied mostly on counter attacks. The pattern worked for them as they managed to frustrate the home side.

Sunrise Riders threatened to score in the 29th minute, despite all the odds. Given Tshifulani went loose from the left corner and unleashed a volley from just outside the penalty box. The ball missed the goal mouth by inches. Ndaedzo Mutavhatsindi and Robert Baloyi both of United Artists were booked for dangerous play and obstruction in the 37th and 40th minute respectively.

The keeper of Riders, Tshifhiwa Rasivhaga, denied Artists numerous sure goals. Vuwani Masakona, the Artists demon midfielder, tried his luck from the 25-meter area. Rasivhaga braved the shot and palmed the ball away for a corner kick. Lucky Siobo was also unlucky in the 69th minute. His close-range ground cutter accidentally hit the keeper’s legs and bounced back into the field of play.

The game turned lukewarm in the last 10 minutes.