BAROKA EDGE FS STARS
A second half goal from Mpho Kgaswane was enough for Baroka to beat Free Stats Stars 1-0 in an Absa Premiership match at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The second victory for coach Kgoloko Thobejane’s men sees them with eight points from four matches so far.
Despite a bright start for the hosts, the Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele failed to create clear cut opportunities in front of goal in the first 10 minutes.
However, Lucky Nguzana broke free in the 17th minute after receiving a great ball from the midfield, but the forward’s attempt to beat the oncoming goalkeeper, Ali Sangare, went narrowly wide.
On the half-hour mark, Nhlanhla Vilakazi tried a long range effort, but his well struck shot sailed wide of the target.
Towards the 40th minute, Sipho Moeti nearly found an opening goal for the hosts as he intercepted Paulus Masehe’s pass and launched an attack, but his effort was saved by Sangare..
Three minutes later, Sinethemba Jantjie outpaced the hosts defence but Vries closed the angle and the rebound went wide of the target.
It was 0-0 at halftime.
Substitute Gift Motupa nearly made a huge impact in the encounter 15 minutes into the second half as he wanted to beat Sangare on his near post after a great cross from the right, but his effort hit the side of the net.
In the 78th minute, Moeti was fouled in the box and protested for a penalty, but referee Khulasande Qongqo waved play on.
Bakgaga finally broke the deadlock in the 85th minute when substitute Kgasane’s shot from the left wing was deflected to beat Sangare and sailed into the net, 1-0.
Luc Eymael’s side still have no win in the league and only have one point.
Baroka FC: (0) 1 (Kgaswane 85′)
Free State Stars: (0) 0
Baroka FC: Vries, Kgoetyane, Shaku, Banda, Mothupa, Moeti, Madubanya, Mdantsane, Chawapiwa (Ngalande 53′), Ntshangase (Motupa 55′), Nguzana (Kgaswane 67′)
Free State Stars: Sangare, Mbhele, Phungwayo, Mobbie, Keita, Vilakazi, Jantjie, Masehe, Hlubi (Nono 57′), Mokhuoane (Anas 68′), Mthembu (Venter 72′)
