Free State Stars’ Dio Sibisi scored a brace to help his team beat Lamontville Golden Arrows 2-0 in front of a sizeable crowd in their first Premier Soccer League game played at home at the Gobel Park Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Stars led 1-0 at the break.
On-form striker Sibisi received a back pass in the 35th minute and struck a lightning shot, beating Arrows goalkeeper Mithiy Luthile from the Democratic Republic of Congo hands down.
The game started at a fast pace with the home team having the upper hand as the game progressed.
In the second half, Stars came out smoking after a tongue-lashing from coach Kinah Phiri.
Arrows threw everything into the attack but failed to penetrate the Stars’ rear guard.
Abafana Desithende tried to match their opponents, but Stars’ disciplined defence, together with their Zambian goalkeeper, Kennedy Mwene, denied them any chance to score.
Striker Sibisi completed his double when he scored from a penalty in the 82nd minute to rub salt into the visitors’ wounds.
Arrows were penalised by Port Elizabeth referee Jacob Frolik for fouling Stars midfielder Tshepo Mashego in the box.
It was a celebration for Stars’ diehard supporters because Phiri’s boys have collected four points — one point in an away game and three points at home — to show they are serious contenders after coming back from the Mvela League. — Sapa