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Wits, Tuks in stalemate

Johannesburg - Student outfits Wits and University of Pretoria played to a goalless draw in their Premiership match at the Bidvest Stadium on Wednesday.

In cold, blustery conditions, Wits had the better chances throughout but lacked composure in front of goal.

The wind also played a factor in the play, as any high balls were severely affected.

The Clever Boys in particular created a number of opportunities in the opening period, but in the second their attack lacked creativity.

The draw added another decent result for Tuks away from home as the newcomers moved to 18 points from their 13 games. Wits were just a point behind their Pretoria counterparts after the same number of matches.

Wits played into a stiff breeze in the first stanza, but they managed to create the better opportunities.

In the first minute of the game the home side had a sharp chance denied. Papy Faty had two shots from close range but Washington Arubi in the Tuks goal was quick to react to deny Wits the opener.

Matthew Pattison featured strongly in Wits set-pieces, and in the 24th minute his corner turned into a direct attempt on goal, with Arubi tipping the ball over.

Four minutes later, the visitors, without much direction on attack, saw Ramahlwe Mphahlele snap up a loose ball in the midfield with a stinging shot, but it was directed straight at Ryan Harrison in the Wits goal.

In the 35th minute, Mame Niang found himself in space behind the Wits defence, but his shot from in the area was easily handled by Harrison.

Dipsy Selolwane went for a shot from long range three minutes later, and he watched as his effort sailed left of the target.

Wits had a penalty appeal turned down shortly before the break. Instead of awarding the penalty, the referee booked Sibusiso Vilakazi for diving in the area.

A minute later, Ryan Chapman made a run into the box and his shot from the left required a good save from Arubi.

In first-half injury time, Selolwane saw his header from close range sail just wide.

And in a quiet second half Selolwane had a long-range attempt saved by Harrison in the 79th minute.

Teams:

Wits: Harrison, Gumede, Mokoena, Pattison (Fredericks 88’), Kadi (Koapeng 66’), Vilakazi, Sweswe, Chapman, Faty (Seedat 60’), Nato, Molekwane
 
University of Pretoria: Arubi, Mphahlele, Shoyisa, Mkhwanazi, Ngoma, Matsi, Ketjijere, Selolwane (Zungu 78’), Radebe (Mutizwa 60’), Lubelo (Mosadi 72’), Niang

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