Stars sucker punched by Baroka in Nedbank Cup

Gift Motupa of Baroka FC

Wednesday Feb 14, 2018. 21:40

Platinum Stars dominated their Nedbank Cup last 32 clash against Baroka FC, but were beaten 1-0 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Wednesday night.

Dikwena enjoyed more of the ball and had more scoring opportunities, but Bakgaga booked their place in Thursday’s last 16 draw thanks to a solid defensive showing and a second-half penalty from Gift Motupa.

Stars should have claimed the lead as early as the fourth minute, with striker Letsie Koapeng controlling a lofted ball in the penalty area before turning to be faced with only Ayanda Dlamini to beat, but his rushed effort was easily claimed by the goalkeeper.

Dlamini had a much tougher time keeping out a swerving effort from Gerald Phiri Jr in the 17th minute, with the ‘keeper having to change directions quickly to punch the ball out after the Malawian hut cut inside from the right and left fly from long range.

Those proved to be the only real attacking highlights of a first half which saw Dikwena dominated possession, but Baroka looked sporadically dangerous on the break - even if they hardly troubled goalkeeper Mbongeni Mzimela.

Stars continued to boss the game in the second half, but with 20 minutes to to play they found themselves a goal down after Gift Motupa coolly dispatched a penalty. The spot kick came as a result of a late challenge from Dikwena defender Sibusiso Mthethwa on Baroka substitute Mpho Kgaswane.

In the 75th minute Bakgaga were reduced to 10 men when youngster Goodman Mosele picked up an unnecessary second yellow card and was sent off, handing Dikwena the initiative for the final stages of regulation time.

Yet the hosts were unable to find a way through, despite creating several dangerous situations, especially a late free kick from Riyaad Norodien which so nearly gave substitute Nduduzi Nyanda a tap-in.

Platinum Stars (0) 0
Baroka FC (0) 1 (Motupa 70’ pen)

Stars: Mzimela, Mere, Mthethwa, Gcaba, Mpeta, Baloyi (Nyanda 80’), Masalesa (Rambuwane 75’), Mkhabela, Norodien, Koapeng (Ntuli 60’), Phiri Jr

Baroka: Dlamini, Kgoetyane, Banda, Madubanya, Mohwatseleng, Mosele, Mdantsane, Makgaka (Mothupa 78’), Nguzana (Kgaswane 57’), Chawapiwa (Ngalande 90+4’), Motupa