FREE State Stars edged University of Pretoria 1-0 in an Absa Premiership match at Charles Mopeli Stadium last night, with Moeketsi Sekola scoring the only goal.
The win was crucial for Ea Lla Koto as it boosted their hopes of avoiding the dreaded promotion/relegation playoff, though they remain - temporarily at least - second from bottom on the log standings.
Stars were the more positive team in attack in the first half, pinning the visitors back and creating several good chances from which they could have claimed the lead. The likes of Sekola, Richard Henyekane, Luyolo Nomandela and Paulus Masehe all had attempts at goal that were no trouble for AmaTuks goalkeeper Washington Arubi.
But Arubi was called to make a brave save in the 33rd minute - parrying away a Camaldine Abraw effort that looked destined for the back of the net.
The visitors offered an occasional threat, but they rarely called Ea Lla Koto's Ayanda Mtshali into action during the first half, which ended with the teams locked at 0-0.
Stars continued to dominate in the second half and finally broke the deadlock in the 57th minute, with Sadate Ouro-Akoriko providing an assist for Sekola to beat Arubi with a right-footed shot.
Ten minutes later Abraw almost doubled Stars' lead with a powerful shot on target that forced Arubi into an excellent finger-tip save. AmaTuks nearly equalised in the 78th minute.
Stars a bit brighter over playoff
FREE State Stars edged University of Pretoria 1-0 in an Absa Premiership match at Charles Mopeli Stadium last night, with Moeketsi Sekola scoring the only goal.
The win was crucial for Ea Lla Koto as it boosted their hopes of avoiding the dreaded promotion/relegation playoff, though they remain - temporarily at least - second from bottom on the log standings.
Stars were the more positive team in attack in the first half, pinning the visitors back and creating several good chances from which they could have claimed the lead. The likes of Sekola, Richard Henyekane, Luyolo Nomandela and Paulus Masehe all had attempts at goal that were no trouble for AmaTuks goalkeeper Washington Arubi.
But Arubi was called to make a brave save in the 33rd minute - parrying away a Camaldine Abraw effort that looked destined for the back of the net.
The visitors offered an occasional threat, but they rarely called Ea Lla Koto's Ayanda Mtshali into action during the first half, which ended with the teams locked at 0-0.
Stars continued to dominate in the second half and finally broke the deadlock in the 57th minute, with Sadate Ouro-Akoriko providing an assist for Sekola to beat Arubi with a right-footed shot.
Ten minutes later Abraw almost doubled Stars' lead with a powerful shot on target that forced Arubi into an excellent finger-tip save. AmaTuks nearly equalised in the 78th minute.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos