Fielies goal dims Stars in Cape Town

by Graeme Jackson

Wednesday Nov 01, 2017. 21:40

Taariq Fielies scored the only goal of the game as Cape Town City defeated Free State Stars in an Absa Premiership clash at Athlone Stadium on Wednesday.

Having suffered back-to-back league losses against Bloemfontein Celtic and Chippa United, the Citizens were hungry for all three points in this clash.

As for Ea Lla Koto, the defeat brings to an end a strong run of form which had seen them claim 10 points from the last 12 up for grabs.

City put in a dominant showing in the first half, but they found Stars to be resilient and determined opponents. Marshalled by the experience of Paulus Masehe, the Free State side hassled and harried the hosts to a standstill in the first half.

The Cape side also suffered an injury blow near the interval when former West Ham United striker Victor Obinna picked up a knock and had to be replaced by Judas Moseamedi on the 40 minute mark.

Benni McCarthy’s side continued to boss the game through the second half but they struggled to create chances with which to test Stars goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare.

However, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 89th minute when City put together an attack which ended with Taariq Fielies putting the ball beyond the reach of Stars’ gloves-man.

The teams will return to league action after the international break in November, with City hosting Baroka on November 22, while Stars will be at home to Chippa United on the same day.

Cape Town City (0) 1 (Fielies 89’)
Free State Stars 0

City: Stephens, Mkhize, Gumede, Martins, Seedat, Matsi, Fielies, Putsche (Masina 75’), Modise (Johannes 90’), Lakay, Obinna (Moseamedi 40’)

Stars: Sangare, Mashego, Keita (Mbhele 65’), Mahamutsa, Phungwayo, Jantjie, Vilakazi, Masehe, Maphakisa (Potsane 57’), Manqele, Mthembu