No walk in the Park as old archrivals duel
Goals from Collins Mbesuma and Charlton Mashumba gave Highlands Park a deserved win 2-1 over their former National First Division archrivals Baroka FC at Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa on the East Rand last night in the former's first top-flight match in 33 years.But Highlands have Tapuwa Kapini to thank for their three points. The Zimbabwean goalkeeper saved two penalties that would on any other night have been converted.A raucous crowd, along with two brass bands, made Highland Parks' return to the Premier Soccer League an unforgettable one.The game was pushed along by referee Victor Gomes' new-found ability to let a game flow. He was correct in awarding the visitors a seventh-minute penalty when Rethabile Soso was brought down.However, he incurred the ire of the home supporters as most of his 50/50 calls tended to go Baroka's way.Nyasha Munetsi coolly converted the first spot kick, heralding a period of Baroka dominance that should have resulted in more goals.Highlands had a few chances but when they had one in the 32nd minute, Mbesuma was on hand to deflect Franklin Cale's free kick.There was high drama in the 42nd minute when Gomes awarded Baroka a penalty after Zamuxolo Ngalo had handled Sipho Moeti's shot. Kapini's guess was spot-on and he stretched far to his right to smother Munetsi's well-taken penalty.The visitors were punished for Munetsi's mistake 11 minutes into the second half when Mashumba finished off a shot.Gomes gave Baroka another penalty in the 70th minute for an unclear offence. If the penalty was dubious, Kapini made sure justice was served with another save - this time from captain Olaleng Shaku, as the visitors seemingly forgot how to take penalties.Orlando Pirates livewire Tendai Ndoro scored two quick goals in the first half to give the Soweto giants a 2-1 victory over Ajax Cape Town at Cape Town Stadium last night. Nathan Paulse scored a consolation goal for the hosts.In Polokwane, Limpopo, Polokwane City put the skids on Bidvest Wits when they held them to a goalless draw, also last night...
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