Stars out of the red zone after draw in Makhulong

Eleazar Rodgers of Free State Stars challenges Ryan Rae of Highlands Park during the Absa Premiership match between Highlands Park and Free State Stars on the 17 April 2019 at Makhulong Stadium Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix

by Staff Reporter

Wednesday Apr 17, 2019. 21:56

Free State Stars have moved out of the relegation playoff spot on the Absa Premiership log after holding hosts Highlands Park 1-1 at Makhulong Stadium on Wednesday night.

The result for Ea Lla Koto, which was secured despite playing roughly a third of the game with 10 men, sees them move into the safety of 13th place (pulling Chippa United and Baroka FC down into 15th and 14th respectively), while the Lions of the North remain eighth.

Stars made a strong start to the match and claimed the lead as early as the eighth minute, with attacker Sibusiso Hlubi sending an effort beyond the reach of Highlands goalkeeper Marlon Heugh following an excellent long throw-in from Rooi Mahamutsa.

The hosts took some some time to settle into matter after going behind, but through the likes of Ryan Rae and Mothobi Mvala they were able to establish a foothold in the game.

The Lions of the North’s perseverance paid off in the 39th minute when Namibian forward Peter Shalulile forced home the ball in a penalty area scramble to make it 1-1 and ensure the teams were at a level pegging heading into the interval.

Highlands made a midfield change at the start of the second half, replacing Jabulani Shongwe with Mokete Mogaila, while Stars looked to sharpen up their attack on the hour mark when they sent on Harris Tchilimbou.

The teams were cancelling each other out for the most part, but Highlands received a major boost when Stars defender Sifiso Mbhele was sent off after picking up a second yellow card.

The hosts looked to make the most of their numerical advantage in what remained of the game, including sending on the speedy Lindokuhle Mbatha to try and stretch Stars’ defence, but they were unable to find a way past goalkeeper Samkelo Mbambo.

The teams will return to league action next midweek, with Highlands away to Cape Town City on Tuesday 23 April and Stars at home to Baroka FC on Wednesday 24 April.

Highlands Park (1) 1 (Shalulile 39’)
Free State Stars (1) 1 (Hlubi 8’)

Highlands: Heugh, L. Mokoena, Fransman, Motsepe, Ramoraka, Mahlangu, Rae, Shongwe (Mogaila 46’), Nyembe (Mbatha 78’), Mvala, Shalulile

Stars: Mbambo, Mobbie, Mahamutsa, Mathumo, Mbhele, Makhaula, Masehe, Mokhuoane (Tchilimbou 60’), Dlamini (Jappie 90+3’), Hlubi (Phungwayo 63’), Rodgers