Highlands laid low by Baroka play-offs brace

Cape Town - Baroka FC lived up to the hype that surrounded them prior to the start of the Vodacom League play-offs when they beat Highlands Park 2-0 at the Philippi Stadium yesterday.

Baroka were in control, outclassing their opponents. And it came as no surprise when they opened the scoring in the 18th minute.

Katlego Mashego latched on to a through ball from the midfield before cutting into play to beat Highlands goalkeeper Andrew Golding.

Baroka’s star players Khunadi Nkoana, Msimeci Baloyi, Phalane Lantshene, Thobani Mncwango and Mashego were creating problems for the Highlands defence and, though the Gauteng club managed to keep them out for a little over 20 minutes after conceding the first goal, they finally succumbed to the pressure three minutes before the break.

Mncwango, the man who scored the winner against Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals in April, gave Baroka some breathing space, scoring with his head after some good work by Baloyi.

Highlands Park did have their moments, but Baroka ’keeper Avha-shoni Thisnuna was on top of his game, making some stunning saves to deny the Gauteng club.

At the University of the Western Cape Stadium, hosts Chippa United were held to a goalless draw by the Eastern Cape’s Buffalo FC in their opening match.

Chippa then went on to beat Northern Cape club Real Madrid 2-0.

Andile Mbeyane, who had an impressive game, scored a brace for Chippa to put the club on top of the Coastal Stream on goal difference.

Chippa have four points, along with Roses United, who surrendered their one-goal lead at the death against Buffalo.

Alex Ngomane gave Roses the lead in the first half, but just as it looked as though they would walk away with the three points, Buffalo’s Luyolo Nomodlelo scored deep in extra-time to earn his side a precious point.

They are now on two points after two matches.

Sivutsa Stars from Mpumalanga got their campaign off to a flying start, beating Garankuwa United 2-0. Sivutsa play Baroka in the pick of the clashes today at 12 noon.

The winners of this match will be in pole position for promotion to the National First Division.