GOLDEN ARROWS VS FREE STATE STARS | ABSA

Competition: Absa Premiership
Date: Sunday, 09 December 2009
Venue: Chatsworth Stadium
Kick-off: 15h30

Free State Stars secured a much-needed Absa Premiership victory when they defeated Golden Arrows 1-0 at the Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday afternoon. Kingston Nkhatha’s scored the game’s only goal.

Stars certainly started the brighter of the two teams and should have scored early on when an attacking move saw Tebelo Mofokeng strike the upright with a low shot.

Ea Lla Koto set out to disrupt Arrows’ attacking rhythm and their tactics worked well, with the hosts unable to create many scoring opportunities.

Stars took the lead just past the hour mark when Nkatha scored a terrific goal direct from a free kick, giving Thulasizwe Khuzwayo in the Arrows goal absolutely no chance.

Abafana Bes’thende almost pulled themselves level just before the break, but Richard Henyekane saw his goal-bound effort cleared off the line by defender Martin Carelse.

Stars continued to look the better team in the second half, though they failed to add to their advantage when Duncan Lechesa and Mofokeng both saw efforts go narrowly wide of goal.

Arrows really should have brought themselves level with just five minutes to play but midfielder Thanduyise Khuboni was unable to beat goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene in a one-on-one situation.

Tshepo Mashego almost stole a point for the KwaZulu-Natal team when his injury time shot skimmed the top of the crossbar.

The result sees Stars move up to 12th place on 21 points and give their hopes of avoiding relegation a major boost. Arrows remain just outside the top eight on 25 points.

Golden Arrows 0
Free State Stars (1) 1 (Nkhatha 33’)