Stellenbosch move up to second after win
Stellenbosch FC returned to winning ways in the 2021-22 DStv Premiership with a 1-0 win over Baroka FC at Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Solomon Letsoenyo's late goal earned Stellies the victory which elevated them up to second place on the league standings, while relegation-threatened Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele remained 16th on the log as a result.
Baroka started the match brightly and they created chances for their strikers Evidence Makgopa and Richard Mbulu, who had scored against Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday.
Mbulu had a chance to put Baroka into the lead in the 15th minute after being set up by Thamsanqa Masiya, but the Malawi international missed the target from close range, much to coach Kgoloko Thobejane's frustration.
The visitors continued to push for the opener, but they were wasteful in front of goal as Makgopa fired over the crossbar in the 40th minute and the score was 0-0 during the halftime break.
Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele continued to control the match after the restart and coach Steve Barker decided to introduce 19-year-old Antonio Van Wyk in the 65th minute.
However, the visitors continued to threaten as goalkeeper Sage Stephens was forced to produce a fine save to deny Mbulu with 20 minutes left, after the Stellies defence was exposed.
This served as a wake-up call for the hosts and they snatched a late goal through Solomon Letsoenyo, who beat keeper Oscarine Masuleke in the 80th minute and the goal earned Stellenbosch all three points.
Stellenbosch FC (0) 1 (Letsoenyo 80')
Baroka FC (0) 0
Stellenbosch FC: Stephens, De Goede, Johannes, Mcaba, Van Rooyen, Sinkala (Khunyedi 72'), Letsoenyo, Jabaar, Dimgba (Du Preez 45'), Isaacs (Van Wyk 65'), Mendieta (Andries 83).
Baroka FC: Masuluke, Mphahlele, Sibiya, Farmer, Sithole, Kambala (Chauke 73', Masiya (Goldstone 73'), Ngubane, Makgopa, Bobete (Mgaga 54'), Mbulu.