Gutsy Cosmos fail to hold Wits

Cape Town - Although they dominated proceedings, Jomo Cosmos failed to hold Bidvest Wits as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat in their Absa Premiership tie at Olen Park on Wednesday night.

A first half goal from Henrico Botes separated the two sides as the Clever Boys remain at number two with 51 points, only four behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns who beat Polokwane City 3-1 on Wednesday night.

The beginning of the match saw both sides having good touches in the middle of the park, but it was Cosmos who threatened after a long range effort by Sibusiso Kumalo in the sixth minute which went wide.

In the 13^th minute, Charlton Mashumba unleashed another rocket which hit the cross bar and bounced back into action with goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs left to thank the woodwork.

Despite their brilliant touches to break down Ezenkosi, Wits found it hard to test keeper Sherwyn Naicker until they received a set piece in the 24^th minute which Botes converted.

Daine Klate delivered a wonderful ball from the right flank and Naicker failed to handle it, spilling it in front of Botes who needed no second invitation, 1-0.

Jomo Sono's men received a number of set pieces towards the interval, but failed to pull a goal back and it was 1-0 at half time.

Upon their return, the hosts continued their dominance and Mashumba tried another long range attempt but he failed to keep it low as it went over the posts.

In the 52^nd minute, Vilakazi took a brilliant shot from the edge of the box ,but his curler was well read by Naicker and he made a save.

It was Mashumba who nearly gave Cosmos something to cheer about on the hour mark when he saw his well taken free-kick punched away by Josephs.

With a few minutes to wrap the tie, substitute Tebogo Makobela also tried to beat Josephs from distance, but the experienced keeper punched his shot away.

Wits held on for the win.

 Following the defeat, Ezenkosi remain rooted in the relegation zone at position 15 with 20 points.