Baroka boost survival hopes

BAROKA FC gave their Premiership survival hopes a massive boost after recording a vital 1-0 win over Golden Arrows at Peter Mokaba Stadium yesterday.

Baroka took the lead in the 30th minute as Bonginkosi Makume made no mistake in converting from the penalty spot.

Arrows looked to attack from the off, with Nduduzo Sibiya and Velemseni Ndwandwe producing some good combination play.

Sibiya ended up shooting at goal, but experienced Baroka goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane was alert to the danger.

Relegation-threatened Baroka appeared to lack confidence in their attacking play and employed a high defensive line, looking to catch Arrows out on the counter.

In the 15th minute, Siboniso Conco met a corner from Sibiya, but his effort was saved by Mabokgwane.

Just prior to finding their goal, Baroka came close to opening the scoring just before the half-hour mark as Richard Mbulu went into the Arrows box, beating Ntsikelelo Nxadi and Arrows keeper Sifiso Mlungwana, but his shot was just wide.

The best opportunity of the first half for Arrows came in the 38th minute as Nxadi saw his header cleared off the line.

Arrows would have felt they should have been awarded a penalty early on in the second half after Saziso Magawane was brought down in the penalty box.

Baroka were clearly playing defensive football in a bid to protect their lead, and Arrows found it difficult to break down their defence.

Late in the second half Ndwandwe and Knox Mutizwa combined well, and Sibiya was fouled in the resulting passage of play, but Mutizwa hit the wall with his free-kick.

The result comes as a blow to Arrows as it leaves them outside the Premiership’s top eight. Had they won, they would have been in line to qualify for next season’s MTN8.

Both teams will next be in action on Saturday. Arrows travel to Peter Mokaba Stadium for an away game against Marumo Gallants, while Baroka will be at Nelson Mandela

Bay Stadium in Gqeberha to face Chippa United.

Also yesterday, Chippa United and Cape Town City played to a goalless draw in Gqeberha.