Canaan Mdletshe

Canaan Mdletshe

Platinum Stars promised obn Tuesday to blunt everything that Lamontville Golden Arrows threw at them in their season-opening Castle Premiership game, and they did exactly that yesterday.

Stars beat Abafana Bes'thende 1-0 at King Zwelithini Stadium.

The match itself was a ding-dong affair, but Arrows dominated in the first 15 minutes.

They dished out some impressive and quick one-twos, especially Thanduyise Kuboni, Papi Zothwane and Philani Shange, but their final touches in front of goals let them down.

Arrows management needs to go out and find players to replace Mabhuti Khanyeza and Alton Meiring upfront. Sehloho Nale was the lone striker upfront and that gave Stars' defence, marshalled by Abass Inusah, an easy afternoon.

Stars seemed to have done their homework as they packed their midfield to frustrate the Arrows players, who excelled when they were in possession.

Arrows' angst resluted in referee Phillip Tinyani booking Kagisho Dikgacoi in the 20th minute after a foul on Stars' Edward Williams.

Keketso Mmotong put Stars ahead with an excellent finish after latching onto a long pass from Williams. He shielded the ball from Siyabonga Sangweni and then slotted in the only goal of the match in the 45th minute.

In the second half, Arrows tried all tricks in book to get an equaliser, but their final touches continued to let them down.

Abafana Bes'thende exposed their defence on a number of occasions during attacks, but Stars failed to capitalise on this.