Citizens slip against Baroka, ’Burg on the rise
BAROKA FC frustrated Cape Town City by holding them to a 0-0 stalemate at the Cape Town Stadium yesterday afternoon.
Though City will feel that they should have beaten the unpredictable Bakgaga, they were lucky after Evidence Makgopa missed what has to be the most embarrassing miss of this season.
City looked vulnerable whenever their defence was penetrated and came close to conceding again in the 71st minute as Joslin Kamatuka put his header wide from a cross.
The City defence was again caught napping when Kamatuka provided a cross which required a tap-in. The 20-year-old Makgopa, who has been Baroka’s best finisher this season with five goals, missed what was a sitter.
Despite dominating possession, the Western Cape side were unable to score. In a surprise decision, City opted not to start with Bradley Ralani, who has been one of their best players this season, with Fagrie Lakay leading the line.
Coach Jan Olde Riekerink’s decision not to start with experienced campaigner Ralani may have proven costly as his side struggled to penetrate the visitors’ defence.
City had a shot as early as the second minute as Aubrey Ngoma whipped a ball into the path of captain Thamsanqa Mkhize, but his header was over the bar.
City’s Terrence Mashego produced a good run in the 15th minute and a decent shot with his weaker foot, but he missed the target.
Undoubtedly Baroka would have left the game the happier of the two sides.
City’s bad run continues as they have gone eight games in all competitions without a win.
The last time the Cape side claimed a victory was in a Nedbank Cup Round of 32 win over Bloemfontein Celtic in early February, while the last time they won a league game was in a 4-2 triumph over Golden Arrows in January.
Meanwhile at the bottom of the table, Maritzburg United continued their resurgence with a 5-1 win over Chippa United. Captain Thabiso Kutumela scored a double while Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Tebogo Tlolane and Ali Meza also scored.
Chippa, who have failed to win in their last eight league games, face a difficult challenge to avoid the drop.
Swallows managed a draw against Golden Arrows after Vuyo Mere scored the equaliser with the last kick of the game. Seth Parusnath had put Arrows ahead in the 71st minute.