Johannesburg – Defending Telkom Cup champions Platinum Stars remained in contention to retain their title with a hard-earned, 1-0 victory over Chippa United at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace on Saturday afternoon.
But on a scorching, energy-sapping afternoon it was only an 84th minute own goal that decided the issue, a matter of minutes after Chippa United had hit the post at the other end and had come desperately close to scoring on two other occasions.
It was United's hapless James Okwuosa who deflected the ball into his own net, but the cross from the left flank was threatening danger in any case, with three eager Stars players well-positioned to pounce onto the ball.
Promoted Chippa United went into the game as the form team after recent victories over Soweto giants Orlando Pirates and Moroka Swallows had elevated them to seventh place in the Premiership log.
Stars, in contrast, were in the midst of a slump in form while slipping to 12th place in the log, while also surrendering the MTN8 title which they had won last season.
Earlier, It was only a succession of superb saves by Kabelo Dambe in the Stars' goal that kept the scoreline blank at the interval.
It might have been the heat or a wake-up call for the Stars' players, but the pattern of play changed dramatically in the second half and the home team gradually came more and more into the picture.
But it was United who regained their poise in the closing stages and came desperately close to taking the lead in the 81st minute following what emerged a highly controversial incident.
Newly-installed Bafana Bafana striker David Zulu, who scored the scintillating goal that sunk Orlando Pirates in the Premier League game last week, was presented with a far easier opportunity as he burst through a disorganised Stars' defence.
It was only a desperate tackle from Stars' resolute captain, Vuyo Mere, that halted Zulu in full-stride with a borderline tackle that might have constituted a penalty award had the stumbling Zulu not conspired to keep his footing instead of falling to the ground.
Mere, ironically, appeared to be injured in the incident and the referee strangely decided to award Zulu a yellow card.
It was almost directly following this incident that Stars scored to break the deadlock, with Okwuosa slumping to the ground and holding his head in dismay over his indiscretion. – Sapa