The Free State Stars pocketed three points after defeating Jomo Cosmos 1-0 in their Absa Premiership match played at Goble Park Stadium in Bethlehem on Wednesday afternoon.
It was the third defeat in a row for Cosmos, after being beaten 2-1 by Kaizer Chiefs and 2-0 at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns in their two opening league matches of the new season.
In the second minute of the match, Stars’ striker Edward Manqele made a quality cross but striker Aleni Lebyane fumbled what was a clear chance with only the keeper and captain Avril Phadi to beat.
Two minutes later Manqele made another cross which Lebyane missed inside the box with a header.
In the 13th minute, Ezenkosi’s Taongo Dondo was the first player to be cautioned by referee Thabo Nkosi after taking a dive outside the home team’s 18 yard area.
Both sides showed signs of urgency but it was Ea Lla Koto who exerted more pressure on their opposition’s defence.
After 45 minutes of what looked like an evenly balanced first half, both sides were still deadlocked.
In the second half, Cosmos’ Dondo outran his marker and sent on a perfect pass which was fluffed by his teammates inside the box.
Katlego Mashego’s corner looked threatening but was headed over the bar by Togolese Sadate Ouro-Akoriko.
Cosmos keeper Phali was forced to pull off a save after Mzikayise Mashaba took a powerful kick but the keeper blocked it and sent the ball back into play.
In the 78th minute, Mashaba was brought down inside the box by Cosmos defender Themba Shabalala. Referee Nkosi awarded a penalty which was easily converted by Stars keeper Kennedy Mweene to give his side victory in the 80th minute. — Sapa