Wits held to goalless draw by 10-man Polokwane City

Bidvest Wits were held to a 0-0 draw by 10-man Polokwane City in Tuesday night’s Premier Soccer League match at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Polokwane were reduced to 10 men when defender Thapelo Tshilo was sent off for a retaliatory push on Gabadinho Mhango in first-half injury time.

Wits coach Gavin Hunt made five changes from his starting XI that beat Cape Town City 3-0 in Saturday’s first leg of the MTN8 semifinal at Bidvest Stadium, for the Clever Boys’ third straight victory since the start of the season.

The changes – with some of Hunt’s key roleplayers surrounding the first team, such as Bongani Khumalo, Siyabonga Nhlapo and Dillon Sheppard getting important first runs – affected Wits’ rhythm. Darren Keet came in for suspended goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs.

And City were more than lively and game to take the game to the Wits on their home ground, grafting hard to match Hunt’s title contenders once down by a man.

Luc Eymael’s team improved markedly from their opening 2-0 defeat away to Cape Town City.

After an early header from Sheppard forced a good save from Polokwane goalkeeper George Chigova, City grew in strength and shaded the first half.

Jabu Maluleke’s swerving shot from range was pushed around by Keet with a fingertip save.

But Tshilo’s reaction, pushing Gabadinho Mncwango in the face after a rough challenge, ruined a good half for the home side.

Rodney Ramagalela was through one-on-one with Keet but shot into the keeper’s arms.

After the break City continued to probe despite the setback. Thobani Mncwango’s low shot was awkwardly parried onto the upright by Keet.

Malajila forced a point-blank save from Chigova. But Wits could not make the numerical advantage count against hard-working City.