Stars look to break losing streak

Makhehleni Makhaula of Free State Stars challenged by Ryan Moon of Kaizer Chiefs during the Absa Premiership 2018/19 match between Free State Stars and Kaizer Chief at Goble Park Stadium, Bethlehemon 18 September 2018 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Sep 21, 2018. 12:20

Free State Stars will aim to break their losing streak in the Absa Premiership when they host Highlands Park at Goble Park on 22 September 2018, kick-off at 20h15.

Stars suffered a second straight loss – and a fourth overall this season – when they were beaten 2-0 at home by Kaizer Chiefs on September 18. The Free State side has gone four games without a win in the league.

Ea Lla Koto’s home results have been mixed: a win over Maritzburg United in early August was followed by a 2-2 draw with Cape Town City and the above-mentioned defeat at the hands of the Amakhosi.

Highlands claimed their first win of the season when they edged Golden Arrows 2-1 at home on September 16. The Makhulong-based side secured the three points thanks to a brace of goals from Mothobi Mvala.

The Lions of the North have drawn all three of their away games so far this campaign, holding Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Baroka FC in the month of August.

In head-to-head stats, Stars and Highlands have met in just two previous top-flight league matches. Both encounters took place in the 2016/17 season, with the Lions of the North claiming four points thanks to a 2-2 home draw and 1-0 away win.

Stars’ line-up from their 2-0 loss to Chiefs on September 18: Sangare, Masehe, Mobbie, Tema, Keita (Mahamutsa 42'), Phungwayo, Makhaula, Gandze (Makhuoane 46'), Jappie, Dlamini, Moseamedi (Rodgers 60').

Highlands’ line-up from their 2-1 win over Arrows on September 16: Kapini, Mokoena, Sibande, Motsepe, Ramoraka, Mbatha, Zwane (Shalulile 58’), Mvala, Msimango, Nyembe (Haoseb 84’), Ngebo (Motlafi 58’)