Robert Ng’ambi grabs win for Stars
Flames midfielder, Robert Ng’ambi, handed 10-man Platinum Stars maximum points after they beat SuperSport United 1-0 in the Absa Premiership at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on Wednesday night.
The match had a cagey start in the first five minutes but defender Michael Boxall failed to lower his shot when a loose ball fell in his path in the box.
Stars exchanged good passes but it was Ng’ambi who tried to beat goalkeeper Ronwen Williams from a distance, but his curler went wide in the 13th minute.
In the 20th minute, United were awarded a set-piece which was delivered by Thuso Phala down the left flank, only for Clayton Daniels to see his free header going inches wide.
Despite enjoying good ball possession, Cavin Johnson’s men (Stars) failed to open up Stuart Baxter’s side and Ndumiso Mabena resorted to a long-range shot which sailed wide with four minutes to the end of the opening half.
After their return from the break, the Tshwane side came back and put pressure on their hosts, but Michael Morton once again could not hit the target.
In the 51st minute, United’s skipper, Dean Furman, unleashed a well-struck shot from the 18- yard area but keeper Mbongeni Mzimela produced a fine save to deny him.
Three minutes later, Stars were dealt a huge blow when defender Sphamandla Mlilo was sent off for a second bookable offence after handling Grobler on the right flank.
However, in the 62nd minute captain Vuyo Mere’s stunning free kick picked out Ng’ambi in the box, with his fine header breaking the deadlock by beating Williams.
In another game, striker Atusaye Nyondo came in as a second half substitute as his Bloemfontein Celtic lost 1-0 to Maritzburg United also on Wednesday night.
It was Nyondo’s debut for Celtic after signing from relegated University of Pretoria.
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