Stellies leapfrog Chiefs
Stellenbosch ................ 1 Baroka FC .................. 0
PRETORIA – Stellenbosch leapfrogged Kaizer Chiefs into second spot after defeating struggling Baroka, who remain rooted to the foot of the DStv Premiership table.
Stellies made three changes to the side that was held by Maritzburg United, as they brought back Robyn Johannes, Waseem Isaacs and Stanley Dimgba while Bakgaga recalled Evidence Makgopa and Mashweu Mphahlele.
The opening exchanges were lively, as Isaacs came close to giving the hosts an early lead in the eighth minute with a strike from outside the box that was saved by goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke in the top corner.
LOOPING STRIKE
Christopher Sekela also had a chance for Baroka in the 18th minute after going through in the box but his looping strike was saved by shot-stopper Sage Stephens.
However, the pace of the game was slowing down after the water break midway through the first stanza, with neither side creating clear chances and the sides remained deadlocked at half-time. Stellies made a change at half-time, bringing on Ashley Du Preez in place of Dimgba for fresh legs in attack while 10 minutes later Baroka brought on Nhlanhla Mgaga in place of Bennet Bobete for fresh legs in midfield.
Mgaga had the best chance of the game for Kgoloko Thobejane’s charges on the hour-mark after a rebound fell kindly on his path in box, with the net gaping but he dragged his shot wide.
Baroka continued to miss chances and they were punished ten minutes before time as Solomon Letsoenyo unleashed a rocket from range that Masuluke could only help towards the top corner.
Makgopa had a chance to level matters for the visitors in stoppage time with a volley on the edge of the box that sailed over the bar, as Stellies held on to go up to second on the log.