Absa Premiership midweek wrap: Baroka still top, Wits drop to last place

by Graeme Jackson

Thursday Nov 23, 2017. 09:30

The Absa Premiership featured no less than six draws from seven matches this midweek, as Baroka FC continue to lead despite not winning a match since September, while defending champions Bidvest Wits have dropped to stone last on the log.

The round’s action got underway with an early kick-off on Tuesday, which saw Cape Town City miss out on the chance to leapfrog to the top of the standings as they were held 1-1 at home by Baroka FC.

Later the same day, Orlando Pirates’ stuttering form continued as they were held goalless in Soweto by Golden Arrows (who have now drawn seven of their 11 matches), while Bidvest Wits’ title defence suffered another blow when they were beaten 2-0 at home by Mamelodi Sundowns – Khama Billiat scored a brace of second-half goals to see the Brazilians maintain their 100 percent away record.

Wednesday’s matches began in Bethlehem with an early clash between Free State Stars and Chippa United which ended 1-1 after late goals from Edward Manqele and James Okwuosa.

The evening matches brought virtually no goal-mouth action, as AmaZulu v Kaizer Chiefs, Platinum Stars v Bloemfontein Celtic and Polokwane City v Maritzburg United all ended in goalless draws.

The only notable log movement from these results saw Platinum Stars lift themselves off the foot of the table for the first time this season, condemning the Clever Boys to last place.

The Absa Premiership will continue with a round of seven matches played across this weekend, 25 -26 November.

Absa Premiership midweek results


Tuesday 21 November

Cape Town City 1-1 Baroka FC

Bidvest Wits 0-2 Mamelodi Sundowns

Orlando Pirates 0-0 Golden Arrows


Wednesday 22 November

Free State Stars 1-1 Chippa United

Platinum Stars 0-0 Bloemfontein Celtic

AmaZulu 0-0 Kaizer Chiefs

Polokwane City 0-0 Maritzburg United