Benoni pay the penalty against 10-man Wits

BidVest Wits and Benoni Premier United played out a scrappy goalless draw at the BidVest Stadium in a Castle Premiership clash on Friday night.

Both teams created good scoring chances but their finishing was poor as shots were either skyed or went horribly wide. Wits lacked the creativity to break down a flat back four while Benoni seemed intent to walk the ball in to the net.

At most times when a simple pass could lead to a goal scoring chance the Rabbits, as Benoni are known, opted to pass the ball around one too many times.

Wits midfielder Teboho Moekena brought down Benoni captain July Mahlangu in the 18-box in the 53rd minute and referee Leslie Deane did not hesitate to point to the spot. Sello Mhlambi stepped up to the penalty spot but Wits skipper Moeneeb Josephs went to his right and saved a telling spot kick to the delight of the Wits fans. This was the best action produced throughout the 90 minutes.

With the one-man advantage the Rabbits surged forward throughout the second half but failed to capitalise on the numerous chances they created. With the Wits defence struggling to contain the relegation-threatened candidates.

The Students' coach Eric Tinkler brought on attacking midfielder Marawaan Bantam in the 57th minute. The hosts continued to struggle as the former Santos kingpin was forced to play from deep in his half.

The Students tried to catch Benoni on the break but the defenders Roland Konan had the better of their lone striker Kenwyn Manuel.

With less than 10 minutes to go, and while a Wits player was receiving treatment on the field, the Wits and Benoni players engaged in a scuffle that the referee and assistant had to break up. This brought loud jeers and cheers from the 1 000 or so Wits supporters.

Wits now have 32 points and Benoni 27, and both remain in positions 12 and 14 respectively. If AmaZulu win their clash against Santos on Sunday then they will move above Benoni who will only have themselves to blame not winning the game against a plucky 10-man Wits team. - Sapa