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Johannesburg - Goals by Christopher Katongo and Sameehg Doutie ensured Bidvest Wits earned three points at home by defeating troubled Free State Stars 2-0 at Bidvest Stadium on Saturday night.
The hosts capitalised on the visitors’ failure to settle early in the game when Chris Katongo converted a great pass from Doutie down the right flank, beating goalkeeper Ayanda Mtshali with a powerful shot.
The win takes Gavin Hunt’s side to 17 points and they move up to position five, while the Bethlehem side go to position 14 with 11 points.
Kinnah Phiri’s charges had a chance to respond in the 13th minute, but Daniel Cardoso’s header from a free-kick went straight to Moeneeb Josephs. Two minutes later, Tumelo Letuka missed a golden opportunity that didn’t trouble Josephs.
Both sides enjoyed a fair share of ball possession, and a through ball found Richard Henyekane free but Buhle Mkhwanazi made a million dollar block, giving the Clever Boys a lead at half-time.
Stars came back energised with a purpose to level the matters but Moeketsi Sekola’s shot in the 50th minute went wide from the goals.
Ten minutes later, a fine pass from Jabulani Shongwe in the middle of the park gave Doutie a chance to finish with a low shot which gave the keeper no chance.
Defender Buhle Mkhwanazi was called to action when he cleared Richard Henyekane’s attempt in the 65th minute over the line, and towards the last 20 minutes of the match Stars added numbers upfront. However, the hosts managed to keep Tiyani Mabunda as well as Moffat Mdluli’s moves at bay.
