Six-goal thriller as Polokwane City and Stellenbosch share the spoils

Polokwane City and Stellenbosch FC played out an enthralling 3-3 draw in the Betway Premiership at Seshego Stadium on Tuesday night, in a match that swung back and forth across both halves.

The result took Rise and Shine to the top of the league standings, a point clear of second-placed Kaizer Chiefs, who host Sekhukhune United on Wednesday. Polokwane will look to build on the point when they travel to face Sekhukhune United on Saturday.

For Stellenbosch, the draw leaves them still without a win this season and sitting 12th in the table. They will be eager to end that run when they host Marumo Gallants on Friday.

Polokwane broke the deadlock in the 16th minute through Giovanni Philander, the former Mamelodi Sundowns academy product opening his account for his new club. Stellenbosch responded before the break, with Sinoxolo Kwayiba levelling in the 22nd minute for his maiden goal since joining the club, leaving the sides tied at 1-1 at half-time after a lively opening 45 minutes.

Stellenbosch carried that momentum into the second half and edged in front for the first time on the night when Devin Titus struck on the hour mark to make it 2-1, catching the Rise and Shine defence out of position. Polokwane hit back quickly through Surprise Manthosi, who restored parity in the 66th minute, before substitute Raymond Daniels put the hosts back in front with 15 minutes to play.

Trailing again, Stellenbosch coach Gavin Hunt turned to his bench, and the changes paid off in the 81st minute when Polokwane goalkeeper Lindokuhle Mathebula turned the ball into his own net under pressure from good work by Ashley du Preez, sealing a 3-3 finish.

Polokwane City (1) 3 (Philander 16', Manthosi 66', Daniels 76') Stellenbosch FC (1) 3 (Kwayiba 22', Titus 60', Mathebula 81' og)

Polokwane City: Mathebula, Manthosi, Ramaja, Nkaki, Modise, Maphangule, Kambala, Mnguni (Kopamotse 65'), Dlamini (Nkwe 46'), Philander (Daniels 65'), Molokwane

Stellenbosch FC: Stephens, Lebitso, Nkwali, Tauyana (Palace 65'), Mashego, Vena, Mthethwa, Titus (du Preez 79'), Matlou (Grobler 79'), Butsaka (Daniels 80'), Kwayiba