Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Platinum Stars claimed their first win in the Absa Premiership this season by defeating Golden Arrows 2-0 at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Wednesday.
Tintswalo Tshabalala and Eleazar Rodgers netted for Dikwena, who remain unbeaten in the league this term, while for Abafana Bes’thende it is a first loss since their return to the top flight.
Stars began the game with a hunger for an early goal and Masibusane Zongo shot wide of goalkeeper Philani Zikalala’s posts as early as the fourth minute. Just two minutes later the home side claimed the lead, with Tintswalo Tshabalala scoring from Eleazar Rodgers’ assist to make it 1-0.
After the early shock of going behind, Arrows looked to gain a foothold in the game and had a couple of threatening moments from the likes of Mabhuti Khenyeza and Rodney Ramagalela, though nothing to particularly trouble Stars ‘keeper Mbongeni Mzimela.
Stars doubled their advantage a few minutes before the break, with Vuyo Mere providing a cross which was headed into the back of the net by striker Eleazar Rodgers, ensuring the hosts went to half time with a 2-0 lead.
Abafana Bes’thende made a better start to the second half and nearly halved the deficit in the 53rd minute, with defender Siyabonga Dube heading an effort against the crossbar from Nkanyiso Cele’s corner kick.
The Durban team missed further chances through Mwape Musonda and Khenyeza, who both put efforts wide of the target in the 66th and 69th minutes respectively. These proved to be the last notable chances of the match, with Stars able to hold out and ensure they claimed all three points on offer.
