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Cape Town - Highlands Park’s first Absa Premiership match ended
in victory, as they defeated Baroka FC 2-1 at the Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa
on Tuesday night.
The Lions of the North were indebted to goal scorers Collins Mbesuma and Charlton Mashumba – as well as goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini, who saved two of the three penalties Baroka were awarded through the course of the match.
The main story of the first half was two penalties awarded to Baroka: the first was converted by Marshall Munetsi to give the Limpopo side an eighth minute lead, while the second shortly before half time was well saved by Highlands goalkeeper, Kapini.
In between, Collins Mbesuma netted for a seventh different club in his PSL career to make the score 1-1. The Zambian converted from Franklin Cale’s free kick on the half hour mark for his first Highlands goal – he has also scored for Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, Moroka Swallows, Golden Arrows, Orlando Pirates and Black Aces in South Africa’s top flight.
Ten minutes into the second half the Lions of the North claimed the lead for the first time in a PSL match, with former Jomo Cosmos forward Charlton Mashumba converting from another Cale assist to make it 2-1 to the hosts.
Baroka responded by sending on all three substitutes within a quarter hour of going behind and they won a third penalty with 20 minutes of regulation time remaining. Shaku Olakeng took on the responsibility of the spot kick, but Kapini once again pulled off a fine save.
