Free State Stars truly earned their 1-0 victory over SuperSport United on that exciting Wednesday match, even after being down to 10 players in the second half. What a stunning display of grit!
Match Report
First Half
Matsatsantsa kicked off with great energy, pinning the hosts deep in their own half for most of the first 20 minutes.
Thuso Phala was electric on the right, winning multiple corners and delivering dangerous crosses to stir up the Stars’ defence.
While Ea Lla Koto threatened with counter-attacks, their cutting edge was missing, despite Mthembu’s hard work up front. On the other flank, Richard Boateng’s attacking runs were promising but his team mates Teboho Mokoena and Thato Mokeke let opportunities slide with less accurate final balls.
Unexpectedly, Stars took the lead with a brilliant move. Phungwayo’s clever one-two and quick run behind the defence on the left resulted in a stunning cross that Mthembu calmly finished at the far post in the 25th minute.
Almost doubling their lead moments later, Goodman Dlamini’s curling strike was brilliantly saved by a diving Reyaad Pieterse.
The visitors seemed rattled as Sinethemba Jantjie narrowly missed a shot on goal after a slick through ball around the half-hour mark.
The intensity rose with goalkeeper coach Andre Arendse sent off for protesting a refereeing decision.
Jeremy Brockie struggled for service and barely got involved before halftime. Stars almost extended their lead when Sibusiso Hlubi’s cross found Mthembu, whose diving header was spectacularly saved at close range by Pieterse.
Second Half
The second half was quieter with fewer chances from both sides. Jantjie had a shot just wide at 54 minutes, while substitute Reneilwe Letsholonyane helped Stars keep the ball in midfield effectively.
The drama peaked when Phungwayo was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Myeni, leaving Stars a man down.
SuperSport pushed hard for an equaliser, but Stars capitalised on counter-attacks, as Tebogo Potsane’s break and pass to Jantjie nearly made it 2-0, with the shot sailing over the bar.
In the 83rd minute, goalkeeper Badra Sangare denied a potential goal from Myeni after an exquisite pass from Letsholonyane.
Despite late efforts from Bradley Grobler, volleying just wide from six yards, the full three points went to Free State Stars in a thrilling upset in Bethlehem.
