Ea Lla Koto down Dikwena

The victory over Dikwena elevates Ea Lla Koto to position 12 on the Absa Premiership log standings and the Rustenburg side move to the 14th spot.

The match started with the home side looking threatening, however, with the beginning dominated by fouls from either side.

In the 16th minute the visitors, through Tintswalo Tshabalala, managed to test goalkeeper Mojalefa Hlahatsi, but he safely held on the ball.

The hosts forward, Abraw was on a mission to continue where he left off in their previous match against Kaizer Chiefs, where he pushed forward and took a shot only to be blocked by Siphiwe Sithole.

After 10 minutes of play, both sides didn’t show signs of getting a goal but in the 32nd minute, Abraw found the net and beat Hlahatsi with his left foot to give the hosts an advantage heading to the interval.

In the dying minutes of the first half, Thabiso Semenya’s header went wide, which was a perfect opportunity to find an equaliser for the Phokeng outfit.

Although both sides came from the tunnel revitalised, the visitors were the most desperate as they moved forward with purpose and their efforts were rewarded when Robert Ng’ambi scored in the 53rd minute. He was assisted by the rejuvenated Eleazar Rodgers.

In the 76th minute, Allan Freese’s men surged forward, but Rodgers’ shot at goal was saved by 'keeper Hlahatsi and after 10 minutes the hosts continued to probe for a lead when they moved forward and an assist by substitute Sydney Masana found Sekola in the 63rd minute, who netted with ease with a right footed finish.

Kinnah Phiri’s men showed determination to retain the three points and when the Bafana Bafana hit-man Sekola made it three as he netted his brace in the 73rd minute, a great pass from Danny Venter put him through to finish.

However, the Bethlehem side didn’t take their foot off the pedal as Sekola showed hunger when his shot was saved by Katlego Dambe in the 87th minute. The Free State side was determined and it was clear they came to the match driven to claim the spoils as they kept Stars’ attack in check.

Free State Stars

Hlahatsi, Masehe, Cardoso, Sankara, Thlone, Mabunda (Mthethwa 72’), Venter, Mashego, Mdluli, Abraw, Sekola

Platinum Stars

Dambe, Mabule (Ngele 71’), Gumede, Sithole, Tshabalala, Mathe, Semenya, Ng’ambi, Nyanda (Malokase 78’), Makudubela (Mere 30’), Rodgers