By: Nosipho Cele
Durban City were forced to dig deep as they played out a 1-1 draw against Milford FC in an intense KZN Derby at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Milford started the brighter of the two sides and had an early opportunity to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty in the 28th minute following a challenge inside the box.
Siphosethu Ndlabi stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Durban City goalkeeper Fredrick Asare kept his side in the game, diving to his right to deny the Milford attacker.
Milford continued to apply pressure and eventually found the breakthrough in the 38th minute. Menzi Chili picked out Mvelo Zikakayo with a well-timed through ball, with Zikakayo keeping his composure to finish low past Asare and give Milford a 1-0 lead going into the break.
Durban City coach Khalil Ben Youssef responded at half-time with a double substitution, bringing on Jean Lubumba and Luphumo Sifumba for Samkelo Maseko and Junior Papier.
The changes immediately gave City more attacking impetus, and Sifumba made his impact felt just five minutes after coming on.
The midfielder stepped up for a free-kick just outside the box and produced a superb finish, curling the ball into the top corner to bring Durban City level at 1-1.
The second half became increasingly physical as both sides pushed for the winning goal. Milford’s Cebolenkosi Mthethwa was booked for stopping a counter-attack, while Durban City’s Gaston Sirino received a yellow card for dissent. Milford’s Gxakoshe was also cautioned following a reckless challenge.
Milford continued to push for a late winner, but Asare once again proved crucial for Durban City.
Deep into stoppage time, the goalkeeper produced another important save, tipping Gxakoshe’s powerful long-range effort over the bar to ensure City left with a point.
The draw sees Milford FC remain fifth on the table with 12 points, while Durban City move to 10th with seven points. City will now turn their attention to their upcoming Durban derby against AmaZulu, while Milford will look to build on their strong showing in the next round of fixtures.
Man of the Match: Fredrick Asare (Durban City FC)