Mofokeng Stands Out Against World Cup Winne…

Photo by Joris Verwijst/Soccrates/Getty Images

Relebohile Mofokeng put on a lively performance as Royale Union Saint-Gilloise rescued a point against Real Sociedad in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night.

Mofokeng started in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Lueven in the Belgian Pro League and kept his spot in the side to face the LALIGA outfit.

Union came into the clash against a Sociedad outfit, who started their Europa League campaign with a loss to AFC Bournemouth before the FIFA break.

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It was an evenly contested affair in the early stages of the first half, but Mofokeng was presented with his first chance in the 20th minute after getting on the end of Louis Patris’ pass, though the South African sent his effort just wide.

That proved to be Union’s biggest opening of the first half, as the Belgian outfit were only able to register one shot on target in the opening 45 minutes while Sociedad were unlucky not to get a penalty after Nohim Chibani appeared to have handled the ball in the box.

That all changed a minute into the second half when Sociedad broke the deadlock as substitute Benat Turrientes pounced on a defensive error from the hosts and calmly slotted home from close range.

The Belgian side had a chance to level matters three minutes later when Mofokeng was slipped through on goal, however, the attacker could only fire his effort straight at goalkeeper Unai Marrero, passing up his second good chance on the night.

Mofokeng was proving to be Union’s biggest threat in the final third, with the Bafana star going close with another opening in the 67th minute after unleashing a strike from the edge of the box that forced Marrero into a fine save.

Union did eventually get their reward as substitute Sekou Keita bagged his first goal of the season on 88 minutes, four minutes after replacing Mateo Biondic, as the Belgians held to claim a point and extended their unbeaten start to the tournament.

Mofokeng’s Stats, As Per Soccerway:

Shots: 3

Accurate Passes: 33/42 (79%)

Touches In Opponents Box: 5 (Most for Union player)

Successful Dribbles: 2/3

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