The Postmasburg-based side took on their Western Cape visitors at the Windhoek Draft Stadium in Kimberley on Saturday afternoon in what was a must-win game for both teams.
IT IS BACK to the drawing board for the Northern Cape’s Hungry Lions after their match against Cape Town Spurs ended in a 1-1 draw.
The pride of the Northern Cape took on their Western Cape visitors in a National First Division match at the Windhoek Draft Stadium in Kimberley on Saturday afternoon in what was a must-win game for both teams in order to be promoted into the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
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Hungry Lions, who were spurred on by the local fans, had the better of the exchanges in the first-half of the game, yet although the hosts had homeground advantage and dominated the possession for most of the game, they squandered a golden opportunity to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty during the first-half.
The second half started well for the home team but, against the run of play, Cape Town Spurs took the lead after Ashley Cupido netted his chance after a counter attack saw the visitors awarded a penalty.
Hungry Lions, however, hit back right at the death and equalised after Muzi Khanyi slotted a penalty in the 90th minute.
Both teams, aware of what was at stake, pushed for maximum points but had to settle for a share of the spoils.
After the match, both coaches said that they felt that their teams had ample opportunities to win the game.
Hungry Lions coach, Henry Basie, said they will now have to review their game strategy.
“We were the better team overall. We played well and put pressure on our opponents. We however should have placed more pressure during the first half and should have placed ourselves in the lead. We were very unlucky today and could have had the three points we needed today.
“We will now have to go back to the drawing board and recap,” Basie told the DFA.
Cape Town Spurs coach, Shaun Bartlett, was also not too impressed with his team’s performance.
“It was a tough game and the conditions were different. We took a bit of time to get into the game. During the first half we were very slow and did not show great energy. During the second half, with the change it made a difference.
“Unfortunately we could not get the three points in the end. We worked and did enough to get the three points. However, that is the nature of the game … you have got to stay in the game and take your opportunities.
“We are a young squad, we keep moving and learning. We are still in contention to make the PSL play-offs as we are in the top three. We have two home games coming up where we had a 10-match unbeaten streak,” said Bartlett.
