Aces leave Wits mulling over what what might have been

Mamelodi Sundowns can wrap up the Absa Premiership title as early as Wednesday night after Bidvest Wits were held to a thrilling 2-2 draw by Mpumalanga Black Aces at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.

Aces have had such an excellent season to be in the top five that it seemed fitting they played what will surely be a crucial role deciding the title-winners.

And those winners must surely now be Sundowns (62 points with three games left)‚ who need three points against Pretoria University at Tuks Stadium on Wednesday night to lift their seventh PSL title.

Wits (57 points with two games remaining) have been left to contemplate what might have been.

Aces winger Thabo Nodada put his side ahead in the eighth minute‚ Sibusiso Vilakazi equalising in the 34th.

PSL player of the season in 2014 Vilakazi‚ having his best match in some time as he has inched towards form with increased starting time‚ slotted a second in the 87th that appeared to keep the championship race alive.

But‚ two minutes later‚ Aces midfielder Zamuxolo Ngalo spooned in their second to dash Wits’ short-lived hopes.

Wits had their chances‚ and plenty of them‚ but pressure mounted as the Clever Boys contrived to miss too many clear opportunities.

Bryce Moon’s low‚ squared pass found three Aces players queuing as Aces found the early spaces. Collins Mbesuma‚ who allowed the ball through his legs to find Nodada‚ who had to score from a completely free position.

Aces’ left-back Cebo Meyiwa’s cross dipped beautifully for Moon to run onto and head onto the upright.

From there it was a procession of chances to Wits. Joaquim Lupeta‚ who missed a sitter in the Clever Boys’ costly home draw against Chippa United on Saturday‚ should have done better with a similar close-range header from Sifiso Hlanti’s cross.

Daine Klate had space on the right‚ cut onto his favoured left foot and crossed for Vilakazi to get in ahead of the defence and expertly loop a header over Jackson Mabokgwane for the equaliser.

Wits had owned the second quarter‚ and started from the changerooms in the same fashion. Bongani Khumalo’s header from Klate’s corner forced a fingertip save from Mabokgwane.

Paseka Sekese found space on the right and squared for Lupeta to hit straight at Amazayoni’s keeper. Vincent Kobola’s challenge at Vilakazi’s feet‚ with Mabokgwane beaten‚ denied Wits the lead.

Ertugral urged his team to get compact‚ but some of Wits’ best attacking movement in recent games was pulling the coach’s team apart.

With five minutes left Elias Pelembe‚ one of Hunt’s old guard who won successive titles with the coach at SuperSport United from 2008 to 2010‚ had time to chest down in the area but scooped his shot wide.

Klate showed excellent vision to split the defence and put Vilakazi through for the midfielder score his seventh of the season.

But‚ in the 89th‚ Sibusiso Masina flicked on Lindokuhle Mbatha’s corner for Ngalo to volley in at close range at the far post.