Highlands look to upset Polokwane

by BackPageTXT

Friday Apr 26, 2019. 10:18

Highlands Park will look for an upset win over Polokwane City when the teams meet in an Absa Premiership clash at Makhulong Stadium on 27 April 2019, kick-off at 15h00 CAT.

Highlands extended their unbeaten run in the league to five matches when they held Cape Town City 1-1 away from home on April 23. It was the Tembisa-based club’s 14th draw of the campaign.

The Lions of the North have claimed 23 points from 13 home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 1-1 draw with Free State Stars in mid-April.

Polokwane suffered their first league defeat since early February when they were beaten 2-1 at home by Bloemfontein Celtic on April 24, ending their unbeaten run at eight matches.

Rise and Shine have claimed 19 points from 13 away matches this season, with their last result on the road a goalless draw at SuperSport United in mid-April.

In head-to-head stats, Highlands and Polokwane have met in three top flight matches since 2016/17. Rise and Shine boast an unbeaten record in the sequence, with one win and two draws. The only previous home game for the Lions of the North in this rivalry resulted in a 1-1 draw.

When the teams met earlier this season, at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in December 2018, they played out a 2-2 draw. The hosts’ goals were scored by Mohammed Anas and Wiseman Maluleke, while the visitors netted through Mothobi Mvala and Moeketsi Sekola.

Highlands’ line-up from their 1-1 draw with Cape Town City on April 23: Hugh, Sibande (Komane 75'), Ramoraka, Mokoena, Motsepe (Ndoro 46'), Rae, Shongwe (Haoseb 75'), Mahlangu, Williams, Mvala, Shalulil.

Polokwane’s line-up from their 2-1 loss to Celtic on April 24: Chigova; Mbonani, Phiri (Mphambaniso 70'), Hlongwane, Motloung, J.Maluleke, Mvelase, Manaka, Tlolane, Anas (Mashumba 71'), Booi (Musona 62').