Rising Sun FC And Spark FC 7-7 Draw. 4.3 Penalty Win

Rising Sun FC faced off against Spark FC in a thrilling friendly match at Langaville on 16 August 2025, with both teams finishing the game with a remarkable scoreline of 7-7. The match, which kicked off at 2:00pm, showcased an intense battle between the two sides, culminating in a penalty shootout that saw Rising Sun FC emerge victorious with a score of 4-3.

Rising Sun FC lined up in a 4-2-3 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for creative attacking play. Alwande took his position in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Morena on the right, Snethemba on the left, and the central pairing of Hlelo and Lwandle. In midfield, Phephe and Sphelele operated as central midfielders, tasked with linking defence and attack. Ahead of them, Thapelo occupied the right forward position, while Ntando played on the left, supporting the lone striker, Mpumi, who was expected to lead the line with pace and finishing ability.

The match began with Spark FC taking an early lead, scoring four goals within the first 15 minutes, leaving Rising Sun FC stunned. The first goal came in the 7th minute, followed quickly by another in the 9th, and a third in the 14th minute. Just a minute later, Spark FC struck again, making it 4-0 and putting Rising Sun FC under immense pressure.

However, the tide began to turn in the 18th minute when Mpumi found the net, giving Rising Sun FC a glimmer of hope. Lwandle followed suit just two minutes later, scoring with an assist from Thapelo, narrowing the deficit to 4-2. Spark FC responded with another goal in the 21st minute, but Rising Sun FC was undeterred.

Sphelele scored in the 24th minute, further closing the gap, and Hlelo added another in the 30th minute, assisted by Ntando, bringing the score to 5-4 at half-time.

The second half resumed with Spark FC scoring again in the 32nd minute, extending their lead to 6-4. Rising Sun FC, however, was relentless, with Mpumi scoring twice more in the 35th and 38th minutes, the latter assisted by Ntando, bringing the score to 6-6.

Hlelo then scored again in the 49th minute, completing a remarkable comeback for Rising Sun FC, who now led 7-6. Yet, Spark FC managed to equalise in the 57th minute, leaving the match finely poised at 7-7 as the final whistle approached.

With no winner determined in regular time, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout. Rising Sun FC held their nerve, converting four penalties to Spark FC's three, securing a hard-fought victory in a match that will be remembered for its dramatic twists and turns. Mpumi's standout performance, highlighted by his crucial goals, earned him the accolade of Player of the Match.