Polokwane City and Marumo Gallants share spoils in Bloemfontein

City made notable changes by including Langelihle Ndlovu and Ndaumelo Maphangule, while Gallants welcomed back Tshepo Rikhotso, Lebohang Mabotja, and Monde Mphambaniso.

After a promising performance against league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns earlier in the week, the hosts sought to get on the scoreboard first with a free-kick from Daniel Msendami, but it sailed over the bar. Rise and Shine were not out of the contest and could have taken the lead when striker Sibusiso Tshabalala pulled a good chance from close range just wide.

Gallants were fortunate to escape again around the 30-minute mark when Oswin Appollis made a well-timed cutback from the left, only for Simon Ramabu's shot to strike the post and bounce back into play. The match remained evenly contested after the break, with Rise and Shine continuing to apply pressure on the hosts.

Despite his earlier miss, Ramabu remained a persistent threat as the hosts struggled to maintain a solid defensive line. Gallants quickly ramped up their attack in the second half, substituting Sede Dion for the experienced Gabadinho Mhango.

Polokwane City still created the majority of opportunities, including a half-volley by Tshabalala inside the box from a cross by Appollis that required a save from Washington Arubi. Appollis then attempted a long-range shot in the final ten minutes, but it went wide.

As the match progressed, the Bafana Bafana international remained key in attack, cutting in from the right to assist substitute Bonginkosi Dlamini for what should have been an easy finish, but Dlamini's shot missed the target by a wide margin.

In the end, Polokwane City missed the chance to regain third place in the standings, while Gallants remained in 14th place.

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