Sekhukhune United were denied back-to-back wins in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages after playing to a goalless draw against Stade Malien Bamako on Sunday evening.
Daniel Cardoso, Lebohang Mabotja, Siphesihle Mkhize, Kamohelo Sithole and Tashreeq Morris started on the bench as Sekhukhune recalled Tresor Tshibwabwa, Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya, Maloisane Mokhele and Chibuike Ohizu after their 2-0 win over Chippa United in midweek.
The host targeted a fast start through a clever one-on-one variation between Vusimuzi Mncube and Elias Mokwana, but the final effort was blocked away
Mokwana made further in-roads towards the visitors’ goal and launched a tremendous shot that had the defence well and firmly on the edge before goalkeeper N’Golo Traore mothered.
The hosts were forced into an alteration, as midfielder Jamie Webber couldn’t carry on playing due to an injury and was duly replaced by Katlego Mkhabela.
Malien did have a few chances late in the half through Lassine Kouma and Franck Tiesse, but neither were able to get the decisive opening.
Tiesse went close again two minutes in the second stanza with a smartly taken drive right of the area, but the host blocked before Modibo Sissoko saw a similar effort later on missed by a whisker.
Babina Noko produced a swift reply where Mokwana carved out a yard of space to shape an opening and slam wide of the top-hand corner.
Sekhukhune remained with the ascendancy later in the half, as a snap shot from Rally Bwalya from Mncube’s pass drew a blocked.
Tshibwabwa also took aim minutes apart where he pushed Traore to a save with a powerful header following a corner, as the encounter finished goalless in Polokwane, leaving Sekhukhune in third spot.
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