Cape Town City held to draw by 10-man Leicesterford FC

Cape Town City remain without a win after being held to a 1-1 draw by Leicesterford FC, despite the visitors playing the final stages with 10 men.

The result means CT City have taken only one point from their opening two games of the season. They arrived at the match under pressure after losing 2-1 away to Real Natives FC in their first fixture.

Leicesterford FC made an impressive start and showed no sign of being unsettled by playing away from home. The visitors took the lead inside 15 minutes when Lehlohonolo Mtshali found the net.

Cape Town City responded positively and began to create problems for the Leicesterford defence. They came close to an equaliser in the 22nd minute after a dangerous delivery from a set-piece caused uncertainty inside the penalty area.

Telile reacted quickest to the loose ball but saw the effort strike the upright, with Leicesterford FC surviving a significant early threat.

The equaliser arrived four minutes later. Kaydan Francis was brought down inside the area and the referee awarded Cape Town City a penalty.

Rai Vloet took responsibility from the spot and converted to bring the hosts level at 1-1.

The game produced further drama shortly before half-time. With eight minutes remaining in the opening period, Emile Witbooi went down near the edge of the penalty area.

The referee initially pointed to the spot, but after speaking with the assistant referee, the decision was changed to a free-kick just outside the box.

Leicesterford FC were then reduced to 10 players when Kamohelo Segopa was shown a straight red card.

Despite having the numerical advantage, Cape Town City could not find a way to take control of the match. Leicesterford FC held their shape and went into the interval with the score level at 1-1.

The visitors adopted a more defensive approach after the restart, appearing content to sit back and try to secure a draw. Cape Town City had the advantage of an extra player but struggled to turn that into clear opportunities.

Leicesterford FC’s 10 men succeeded in keeping CT City at bay throughout the second half. The hosts were unable to break through, and the match finished 1-1.

The draw leaves Cape Town City still searching for their first victory of the season. Leicesterford FC, meanwhile, secured a point after spending the latter part of the match with only 10 players on the field.