Phuthaditjhaba – A rampant Polokwane City stunned Free State Stars with a 5-2 victory in their Premiership match at the Charles Mopeli Stadium in Phuthaditjhaba on Wednesday.
A brace from Essau Kanyenda and Puleng Tlolane as well as one goal from Jabu Maluleke ensured maximum points for City while Moeketsi Sekola's double failed to inspire a rescue effort from Stars.
The match's first real chance fell to the hosts, Tokelo Langa hacked down Sekola and Tiyani Mabunda fired inches wide from the resultant freekick in the 12th minute.
Stars striker Richard Henyekane broke away in the 20th minute but his final touch was a disappointing one as his tame shot missed the target.
City goalkeeper Modiri Marumo kept his team in the match when he pulled off a magnificent save in the 28th minute to deny Henyekane from a freekick.
Despite Stars' continued pressure, it was City who took the lead against the run of play in the 33rd minute as Puleng Tlolane beat the hosts' goalkeeper Ayanda Mtshali.
City's excitement was short-lived as the enterprising Sekola levelled matters for Ea Lla Koto with a fine finish that gave keeper Marumo no chance in the 34th minute.
Henyekane had a chance to give Stars the lead going to half-time but he lacked the required composure in front of goal and City survived in the 40th minute.
Tlolane sneaked through the Stars defence and unleashed a pile driver but Mtshali was equal to the task as he made a comfortable save in the 46th minute.
Tlolane continued to be a thorn in the flesh of the Stars defence and came close again in the 55th minute but Mtshali came out tops as he pulled a brilliant save to keep scores level.
Polokwane's persistence eventually paid off in the 57th minute, Essau Kanyenda restored the visitors' lead with an immaculate header which beat keeper Mtshali.
Momentum shifted to City and they got yet another goal on the hour mark, midfielder Jabu Maluleke made it 3-1 with a well struck freekick.
Two minutes later, Kanyenda got his second of the match for Polokwane with a wonderful strike off a Petrus Motumi pass much to the excitement of the visitors' bench.
Stars refused to take the stick lying down as they surged forward looking for a goal, and Joseph Musonda fouled Bokang Thlone resulting in a penalty which Sekola buried with ease in the 65th minute.
Kanyenda's dream of scoring a hat trick was ended by Polokwane coach Kosta Papic in the 74th minute as he substituted the Malawian star for Dodam Dogere.
In the 87th minute, the adrenalin got the best of keeper Mtshali as he brought down Sipho Genbuna inside the area resulting in a penalty for Polokwane, which Tlolane scored to make it 5-2.
The win sees City leapfrog Platinum Stars to position 13 on the log table with 10 points just a point behind Ea Lla Koto. – Sapa