Penalty costs Baroka dearly

know. It will be tough there. It’s not tough because the team is good. It’s tough because the mentality is totally different.

“They like to take us to an artificial pitch‚ the pitch that they aren’t using now.

“But when we come‚ they say we will take these cheese boys to an artificial pitch. We played well on that artificial pitch last year.” A CONTROVERSIAL penalty decision condemned Baroka to remaining bottom of the Premier Soccer League on Saturday after losing 3-2 to Golden Arrows in Durban.

The club from northern city Polokwane believed they had equalised in stoppage time when substitute Richard Matloga fired a harshly awarded penalty into the roof of the net.

But a Fifa panel referee disallowed the goal, claiming there was encroachment into the box, and awarded Arrows an indirect freekick. The rules of football include retaking a penalty when encroachment occurs.

Arrows won the dramatic match thanks to two goals within three minutes during the closing stages.

Mzwanele Mahashe conceded an own-goal – his second in as many matches – and Zimbabwean Kudakwashe Mahachi increased the lead to 3-1 via a delicate lob.

Victor Letsoalo halved the deficit three minutes from time and then came the debatable spot-kick with Arrows goalkeeper Nkosingiphile Gumede seemingly harshly penalised.

Baroka are level on 24 points with Chippa United, but have an inferior goal difference.

Highlands Park (25 points), Free State Stars (26) and Bloemfontein Celtic (27) are also battling to survive in the top flight with two rounds remaining.

The bottom team drop to the second division and the side finishing second-last go into play-offs.

Polokwane City celebrated a first victory over Kaizer Chiefs thanks to a 1-0 home win courtesy of a goal from Thapelo Tshilo.

Ajax Cape Town defeated visiting Celtic 2-0 to boost chances of a topeight finish and qualification for a lucrative pre-season knockout competition. — AFP