A similar script to the previous matches against Orapa United and Holy Ghost played out as Rollers conceded first before a late equaliser salvaged a point.

Thabo Metlhayotlhe opened the scoring for BDF in the 78th minute, before Gaolaolwe delivered Rollers’ response ten minutes later to earn Popa a point.

LINE UP: Maphakela, Sikele, Mathumo, Gaolaolwe, Ratanang (Molebatsi 80), Moremi (Gcumeni 61), Serameng, Moalosi (Uiseb 61), Ngele, Elias (Ngubo 87), Boy

THE MATCH

Rollers had a good chance early on, as Edwin Moalosi located Segolame Boy on the edge of the box in the 12th minute, and after Boy turned his marker perfectly, his shot was parried out by BDF goalkeeper Kagiso Matlou with an outstretched arm.

Popa struggled to get behind the defensive lines of a well organised Matebele, who had numbers at the back and a shape organised to close down attacking space.

A low key first half ended goalless and the two sides kept looking for openings in the second period.

In the 58th minute, BDF substitute goalkeeper Thero Moatswi, who came on for the injured Matlou at half time, made two good saves from Sikele and Boy, the ball ricocheting off the post before the danger was cleared.

On the other end, Kabelo Maphakela had to be alert to avert the danger as Matebele forwards also tried to carve an opening.

Metlhaotlhe then broke the deadlock for BDF in the 78th minute.

Rollers threw all into attack in the last ten minutes, and eventually profited from Gaolaolwe’s 88th minute equaliser.

The Blues now prepare for next Saturday’s home league match against Orapa United.

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