Aces, AmaTuks share spoils

Nelspruit - Black Aces and Pretoria University have settled for a share of the points in a goalless draw in Nelspruit on Saturday evening.

While both sides created chances by penetrating the opposition's defence in their closely contested Premiership clash, neither was able to find the back of the net.

Aces were the first to take a shot in anger, in the fourth minute, but Collins Mbesuma's attempt was directed straight at Tuks goalkeeper Washington Arubi.

In response, the student side had two clear-cut opportunities in the opening period but were unable to capitalise.

Mpho Matsi, under pressure from Aces' shot-stopper Energy Murambadoro in a one-on-one situation, sliced his effort wide to the left, and Atusaye Nyondo was denied by a diving Murambadoro after the keeper failed to clear a shot from Bhongolwethu Jayiya.

With 10 minutes remaining in the first half, Tendai Ndoro nearly gave Aces the advantage, but he blasted over the crossbar to leave the scores level at the interval.

The visitors surged ahead again shortly after the break, with Vuyisile Ntombayithethi making an effort just seconds after the restart, though an airborne Murambadoro parried the ball away.

Eight minutes later, Abia Nale had perhaps the best opening of the second stanza for the hosts, but Arubi was up to the task, keeping out his thunderous strike as the match fizzled out to a 0-0 draw.

Both sides continue to hover mid-table after five clashes each in the league campaign.