Baroka looking to end lean run

by Graeme Jackson

Tuesday Sep 25, 2018. 11:40

Baroka FC will look to end their lean run in the Absa Premiership when they host Free State Stars at Peter Mokaba Stadium on 26 September 2018, kick-off at 19h30.

Baroka have picked up just one point from the last 12 up for grabs and suffered their fourth defeat of the season when they went down 2-1 at home to Orlando Pirates on September 22.

The defeat to the Buccaneers was their first as hosts in the 2018/19 season. Bakgaga had taken five points from their first three matches at home, including a 2-1 win over Cape Town City early in the campaign.

Stars come into the game having claimed their second win of the season. The Free State side defeated Highlands Park 1-0 at a rainy Goble Park on September 22 thanks to a goal from Tshepo Tema.

Ea Lla Koto have lost all three of their away games so far this term, succumbing at Bidvest Wits, AmaZulu and Polokwane City.

In head-to-head stats, Baroka and Stars have met in four league matches since 2016/17. The teams have each racked up two home wins in the rivalry, leaving the comparison level at a pair of victories each.

Last season Bakaga claimed a 1-0 home in in the first half of the campaign, before Ea Lla Koto secured revenge with a 2-0 triumph in Bethlehem, thanks to goals from Goodman Dlamini and Siphelele Mthembu.

Baroka’s line-up from their 2-1 loss to Pirates on September 22: Chipezeze, Kgoetyane, Banda, Makume, Mabeba, Makgaga (Makgantai 53’), Mdatsane, Madubanya (Mosele 52’), Kgaswane, Chawapiwa (Patjie 63’), Chivaviro.

Stars’ line-up from their 1-0 win over Highlands on September 22: Sangare, Masehe, Mahamutsa, Phungwayo, Tema, Dlamini, Makhaula, Bhengu (Moruping 77'), Jappie (Mbhele 89'), Mobbie, Rodgers (Matlakala 85').