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Bethlehem - Free
State Stars and Platinum Stars played to a goalless draw in their Absa
Premiership match at Goble Park in Bethlehem on Saturday.
It is the third 0-0 draw from four league matches so far this weekend, with only Golden Arrows’ 2-0 win over Jomo Cosmos producing any goals.
There was little goal mouth action in the first half, with the two teams struggling to create scoring chances in what was a rough-and-tumble game, featuring some typically uncompromising play from the hosts.
Free State did look the likelier scorers on the whole, but apart from a low shot by Saname Wome in the latter stages of the half they were unable to really test Siyabonga Mpontshane in the Platinum Stars goal.
Ea Lla Koto did have a goal ruled out in the first half - striker Edward Mnqele coolly beat the visitors’ goalkeeper with a fine finish on 24 minutes, but he was flagged offside. Television replays suggested it was a tight call, but one that the referee’s assistant got wrong.
The second half went much the same way as the first, though each side had a great goal scoring chance within seconds of each other just before the hour mark - Terrence Mandaza put a point-blank header straight at Kennedy Mweene before Mnqele fired over from close range after showing some great ball skills in the 18-yard area.
Free State Stars continued too create half chances and they would have taken the lead on 75 minutes through an angled drive from Wome had it not been for a magnificent save from Mpontshane, who tipped the sizzling shot over his own crossbar.
