NATIONAL NEWS - Free State Stars and University of Pretoria drew 1-1 in their Absa Premiership match on Sunday afternoon at Goble Park Stadium.

Although Danny Venter netted first for Stars, Tuks striker Lennox Bacela’s second half header ensured both sides shared the spoils.

The match saw the return of the Absa Premiership after a two week break with the hosts enjoying a great deal of possession in the opening stages.

Nhlanhla Vilakazi failed to convert as he was unmarked in the 13th minute as his shot went over the bar.

Towards the 20th minute, the visiting side were kept under pressure with Ernst Middendorp’s men chasing an early goal, but Moeketsi Sekola and Paulus Masehe failed to hit the target following two strong attempts.

After the water break, Sammy Troughton’s men pushed forward with good touches and nearly capitalised on a Daouda Diakite error in the Stars goal as he spilled the ball, but the defence was able to clear the danger.

With eight minutes left in the first stanza, Venter handed the hosts the lead when he made a beautiful turn in the box before beating goalkeeper, Washington Arubi on the far corner.

The hosts held on to their lead at the interval and kept up the pressure after the break as Mrisho Ngasa’s shot was saved by the Arubi in the 47th minute.

In the 57th minute, Bacela ensured Tuks were back in the game when he beat defender Justice Chabalala and scored with a fine header following a beautiful delivery from substitute Getaneh Kebede.

The game produced good movements towards the closing stages but neither side could take their chances with Masehe seeing his free header going wide in the 64th minute, and Bokang Thlone’ shot hit the side netting in the 79th minute.