Pretoria – A lone header from Robert Sankara was enough for Free State Stars, as they earned their first points on the road this season, edging the University of Pretoria 1-0 in a Premiership clash at the Tuks Stadium on Wednesday night.
The pair looked destined for a stalemate until Sankara netted with his head from a Stars corner to steal a victory against a Tuks side looking for their first win at home this season.
Chances were few and far between and only on the half-hour mark did Geofrey Massa give Stars goalkeeper Ayanda Mtshali the first taste of any action.
Vuyisile Ntombayithethi was brought down on the edge of the area, which allowed Massa to thunder a free-kick goalwards, denied only by an outstretched hand from the goalkeeper, who did well to keep out the powerful effort.
A dull opening half made way for a more lively spell in the second, as Stars were more aggressive on the ball and looked like threatening the AmaTuks defence.
Ea Lla Koto were rewarded for their persistence and with 15
minutes left to play, the Free State outfit grabbed the lead, courtesy of Sankara's header in the area, after Stars' corner caught Tuks sleeping in defence.
The solitary goal proved enough for the visitors, who walked away fortunate winners with three points in the bag to add to the three they claimed at home against SuperSport United last week. – Sapa