PSL Playoffs: Casric, Orbit draw to give CT City hope of retaining topflight status
Orbit College and Casric Stars played out a cagey 0-0 draw in their PSL Promotional Playoff opener, leaving the promotion race wide open.
Both goalkeepers impressed, with Sekhoane Moerane and Emile Lako Wendeu pulling off key saves in a tense first half.
The match lost momentum after halftime, with neither side able to create clear chances as defences took control and caution prevailed.
The PSL Promotional Playoffs kicked off with a tense stalemate on Wednesday afternoon. Orbit College and Casric Stars played out a 0-0 draw, keeping both sides on level ground but doing little to clarify the race for Premiership promotion.
Orbit, still chasing their first win in a playoff fixture after their winless campaign in 2022, began brightly.
Siyabulela Mabele came close inside the first minute, latching onto a loose ball and unleashing a stinging shot that forced a solid save from Casric goalkeeper Emile Lako Wendeu.
Casric, with Kermit Erasmus and Decide Chauke leading their frontline, showed intent but lacked cohesion in the final third.
Thabang Semache's long-range effort midway through the first half nearly broke the deadlock, but Orbit keeper Sekhoane Moerane was sharp and denied him at full stretch. Moerane was called into action again shortly before halftime to tip over a powerful header from Simon Fils Ndou Moukete.
The second half, however, saw a more tactical and conservative approach from both benches. Erasmus was withdrawn in the 54th minute after struggling to influence proceedings, and Orbit introduced Gomolemo Khoto and Reuben Kgabane to inject fresh energy, but clear chances dried up as the match wore on.
With defences taking control and both teams cautious of losing their opener, the game fizzled out to a goalless draw.
It's a point apiece, and while it doesn't ignite the playoff race, it sets the stage for a vital clash on Saturday when Orbit travel to Cape Town to face Premiership side Cape Town City.
Kick-off is at 15:00 at Cape Town Stadium.
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