Mphego Real Rovers proved all their critics wrong when they unexpectedly held Themba Sunrise Riders to a 1-1 draw in their MMK Administrators Soccer League match at Mphego on Sunday.

Unlike in their previous matches, where Sunrise Riders used their midfielders to destroy their opponents, the situation was totally different on Sunday. Their midfielders, Ntakadzeni Nendauni, Aluwani Masala and Ntsieni Ramabulana, were tightly marked from the onset and, as their midfielders were neutralised, Riders started to volley from behind in a bid frustrate their opponents.

The keeper of Sunrise Riders, Tshifhiwa Rasivhaga, was warned with a card in the 26th minute. He obstructed Ndivhuwo Sadiki at the edge of the penalty box.

Dakalo Nemakonde of Sunrise Riders came close to scoring three minutes before the half-time whistle. He forced his way through the defence of Rovers and lost possession on the brink of unleashing from inside the box.

The home side introduced two new faces early in the last half. Fhulufhelo Mulaudzi and Ndwakhulu Nemavhola gave way to Victor Mahalihali and Khodani Tshisikule respectively.

Real Rovers were the first to blow the trumpet. Their lethal striker, Vuledzani Ntsieni, headed home in the 59th minute after a scramble in the box. The visitors introduced Given Tshifularo for Thendo Mathobo, and Khodani Tshisikule of Real Rovers was reprimanded with a card for wasting time.

It took Sunrise Riders 74 minutes to retaliate. Their overlapping midfielder, Aluwani Masala, was brought down within the box and the referee awarded a penalty. Ntakadzeni Nendauni made no mistake from the white spot. Riders were all over Rovers in the dying minutes of the game, but it was difficult for them to find their way through the defence of Rovers.