Kapini stops two penalties as Highlands Park see off Baroka

Highlands Park marked their return to the top flight with a 2-1 win over fellow Premier Soccer League newcomers Baroka FC in an absorbing encounter at Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa, but it was referee Victor Gomez who stole the show by awarding three penalties.

Highlands goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini turned in a Man-of-the-Match performance two spectacular saves from the spot to frustrate the visitors as Allan Freese's charges got their campaigne off to a flyer.

Baroka got in front as early as the 6th minute when Zimbabwean striker Marshall Munetsi opened the scoring from the penalty spot.

Last season's PSL top goalscorer Collins Mbesuma opened his account just after the half hour mark after the Highlands defence went into sleep and allowed the deadly striker space inside the box to tap home a low Franklin Cale free kick to make it 1-1.

Referee Victor Gomes awarded his second penalty of the match just before halftime but Munetsi missed a glorious chance to grab a first half brace after his spot kick was saved by Tapuwa Kapini in the Highlands Park goal.

The visitors from Limpopo were made to pay a price for their penalty misses early in the second half.

Charlton Mashumba turned the Baroka defence inside out before slotting home from the edge of the box with a sumptuous finish.

Baroka created most of the chances and enjoyed their lion's share of possesion as they surged forward in numbers in search of the equaliser.

It came as no surprise midway through the second half their relentless attacks paid dividends when Gomez pointed to the spot kick for the third time in the match.

Olaleng Shaku stepped up to take the spot kick but could hardly believe his eyes when Kapini parried away his effort to safety.

Cleopus Dube could have snatched a dramatci late equaliser on the stroke of full time but his attempted close range half-volley was blocked away by Thanduyise Khuboni as the Tembisa-based Highlands hanged to take all the three points.