Leopards out to dim Stars

Phathutshedzo Nange of Black Leopards

Friday Oct 26, 2018. 12:39

Black Leopards will target all three Absa Premiership points when they host Free State Stars at Thohoyandou Stadium on 28 October 2018, kick-off at 15h30.

Leopards suffered their fourth defeat of the season when they were beaten 1-0 at Golden Arrows on October 7. The Limpopo side’s four defeats have arrived in their last five league outings.

Lidoda Duvha have claimed six points from their four home matches this season, and their last result as hosts was a 1-0 win over provincial rivals Baroka FC early this month.

Stars played to just their third draw of the season when they were held 1-1 at home by Golden Arrows on October 24. The Free State side struck late in the game through Judas Moseamedi to avoid defeat.

Ea Lla Koto have claimed just one point from five away games this season, with their last result on the road a 1-0 loss at Chippa United in early October.

In head-to-head stats, Leopards and Stars have met in 10 top-flight league matches since 2001/02. Ea Lla Koto have claimed seven wins compared to just one for Lidoda Duvha, while two games have been drawn. The Limpopo side has won just one of their five home matches against their Free State counterparts, suffering four defeats in the process.

The teams last met in the Absa Premiership in the 2012/13 season, with Stars completing a league ‘double’ by winning 2-1 away and 3-2 at home. The teams’ last four league meetings have produced 16 goals.

Leopards’ line-up from their 1-0 loss to Arrows on October 7: Ndlovu, Nene, Munyai, Kapinga (Tshepe 66'), Munganga (Masia 14'), Mudau, Zulu, Nange, Sibanda, Musonda, Khutlang (Mhlongo 54').

Stars’ line-up from their 1-1 draw with Arrows on October 24: Sangare, Mobbie, Mahamutsa, Tema, Phungwayo, Masina (Rodgers 72’), Makhaula, Gandze, Dlamini (Jappie 77’), Tchilimbou (Jantjie 62’), Moseamedi.