SuperSport United break Free State Stars' hearts

by Graeme Jackson

Sunday Mar 10, 2019. 18:30

SuperSport United defeated Free State Stars 1-0 in an Absa Premiership match at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

As a result, Matsatsantsa climbed up to fifth place on the league log while Ea Lla Koto remained 14th.

Matsatsantsa threatened first through Zimbabwe international Evans Rusike just four minutes into the encounter.

The former Maritzburg United marksman hit the post with Stars goalkeeper Samkelo Mbambo well-beaten.

The hosts kept pushing for the opening goal - creating goal-scoring opportunities which they missed.

Mxolisi Macuphu fired over the crossbar in the 21st minute, before being denied by Mbambo six minutes later.

Clayton Daniels also had a chance to put SuperSport into the lead in the 42nd minute, but his effort missed the target.

The score was 0-0 at the interval, with Matsatsantsa having dominated the first-half, but they could not convert their chances.

Matsatsantsa continued their dominance after the restart as Macuphu was superbly denied by Mbambo in the 51st minute.

Mbambo was beaten by Grant Kekana's headed effort hit three minutes later, but the crossbar came to Ea Lla Koto's rescue.

Stars head coach Nikola Kavazovic decided to make a change just after the hour-mark - introducing Sibusiso Hlubi.

Ea Lla Koto then had a chance to grab a late goal with 15 minutes left on the clock when Sinethemba Jantjie was sent through on goal.

However, the skilful attacker was brilliantly denied by on-rushing SuperSport keeper Ronwen Williams.

Both teams launched late attacks and it was Matsatsantsa who found the back of the net through in-form striker Macuphu in the 90th minute.

Macuphu netted his fourth goal in five league matches to seal SuperSport's 1-0 victory over Stars.

SuperSport (0) 1 (Macuphu 90')
FS Stars 0

SuperSport: Williams, Nhlapo, Kekana, Daniels, Bhasera, Furman, Mokoena (Keene 85'), Lebese (Mahlatsi 66'), Rusike, Macuphu, Grobler (Webber 80').

FS Stars: Mbambo, Masehe, Mahamutsa, Mathumo, Mbhele,Makhaula, Jantjie (Kizza 82'), Jappie, Mobbie, Mokhuoane (Dlamini 62'), Katsvairo (Hlubi 62').