Stars win Free State derby

Lucky Baloyi of Bloemfontein Celtic and Katlego Mokhuoane of Free State Stars during the Absa Premiership 2018/19 game between Bloemfontein Celtic and Free State Stars at Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on 24 February 2019 © Frikkie Kapp/BackpagePix

by Staff Reporter

Sunday Feb 24, 2019. 18:06

Free State Stars claimed a 3-2 away win in their Absa Premiership provincial derby against Bloemfontein Celtic at Dr Molemela Stadium on Sunday.

Despite the victory, Ea Lla Koto remained 15th on the league standings, while Phunya Sele Sele also remained seventh on the table.

Ea Lla Koto started the match brightly and they broke the deadlock through Harris Tchilimbou just before the half-hour mark.

The Congolese striker beat his marker before firing past Celtic goalkeeper Patrick Tignyemb to make it 1-0 to Stars.

Ea Lla Koto looked dangerous every time they pushed forward and they managed to double their lead six minutes before half-time.

This time it was Sinethemba Jantjie who beat his marker, before firing home to make it 2-1 to Stars with a left-footed shot.

It was soon 3-0 to Stars when Jantjie was sent through on goal and completed his brace with a low effort which beat Tignyemb.

Stars were deservedly leading 3-0 at the interval in the Free State Derby.

Celtic coach Lehlohonolo Seema decided to introduce Victor Letsoalo, who is a striker by trade, eight minutes after the restart.

Phunya Sele Sele were awarded a penalty after Ndumiso Mabena was fouled inside the Ea Lla Koto box just after the hour mark.

Kabelo Dlamini then stepped up and he was denied by Stars goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare, who pulled off a great save.

However, the hosts did pull one back when Tshepo Rikhotso scored with a left-footed shot which beat Sangare to make it 3-1 with 20 minutes left.

Phunya Sele Sele piled pressure on the visitors and they managed to make it 3-2 through Letsoalo, who beat on-rushing Sangare in the 83rd minute.

Stars then held on to their slender in the closing stages of the match and ultimately, they ran out 3-2 winners over Celtic.

Celtic (0) 2 (Rikhotso 70', Letsoalo 83’)
FS Stars (3) 3 (Tchilimbou 27', Jantjie 39', Jantjie 43')

Celtic: Tignyemb, Letlabika, Pfumbidzai, Rikhotso, Masuku (Letsoalo 53'), Mabena, Mabaso (Mahashe 54'), Mashikinya (Potsane 65'), Dlamini, Phalane, Baloyi.

FS Stars: Sangare, Mobbie, Jappie, Mahamutsa, Mathumo, Masehe Hlubi (Makhaula 63'), Mokhuoane (Khabane 83'), Jantjie, Tchilimbou, Rodgers (Masina 64').