Baroka FC threw another twist into the tale of the PSL title race with a 1-0 win over Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday 30 August at Dobsonville Stadium.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Baroka FC: PSL match report
Sundowns started the match, knowing that a point would send them to the top of the table, while Baroka had an opportunity to move away from the bottom two.
The Dobsonville Stadium surface is not among the best on show in the bio-bubble, and it affected the flow of the match with both side’s employing long passes.
Baroka stunned Mamelodi Sundowns from a setpiece with Ananias Gebhardt rising highest and heading in with Kennedy Mweene rooted to a spot in the centre of the goal. The header was excellent; the defensive organisation from Sundowns was shocking.
Sundowns forced Baroka to defend deeper after the goal and enjoyed most of the ball, but the Brazilians couldn’t make it pay.
Half time
The second half started as the first had ended with Sundowns laying siege on Baroka who defended with intensity.
Gaston Sirino was a constant threat for Sundowns, and he fired wide 11 minutes into the second period, his effort drew a dive out of Dlamini, who then cramped up.
The Baroka goalkeeper was also attended to during a lengthy break in the first half, but he continued after some attention from the physio.
Baroka’s frontmen did well with scraps and created a few opportunities of their own.
Makgalwa couldn’t make the most of a free header just after the second cooling break.
When Baroka did attack they were very nearly caught on the break, but Mahlambi got a nasty bounce after a Sirino dummy, and another chance went abegging.
Much to Pitso Mosimane’s dismay Sundowns couldn’t find a way back and Baroka held on for the 1-0 win.
Dlamini was equal to a shot in the dying embers to prevent Sirino grabbing a stoppage time equaliser.
The result leaves Sundowns second and the Brazilians have handed the initiative back to Kaizer Chiefs who lead on goal difference. Baroka move up to 13th three points clear of the relegation spot.
Mamelodi Sundowns squad
Sundowns XI: 1. Mweene, 16. Ngcongca, 7. Lakay, 5. Lebusa, 2. Madisha, 15. Jali, 21. Mkhulise, 8. Kekana, 10. Sirino, 18. Zwane, 23. Meza.
Subs: 30. Pieterse, 26. Makgalwa, 17. Mahlambi, 13. Mabunda, 11. Vilakazi, 3. Nascimento, 33. Maboe, 4. Langerman, 36. Mkhuma.
Baroka FC squad
Baroka XI: 30. Dlamini, 44. Masiya, 3. Gebhardt, 42. Mgaga, 5. Makume, 27. Makgopa, 14. Mosele, 6. Sibiya, 17. Kambala, 33. Farmer, 20. Patjie.
Subs: 32. Molapo, 10. Phiri, 43. Sampson, 11. Selemela, 9. Mbulu, 39. Gadla, 15. Mogale, 46. Mahangwahaya, 38. Nkabinde.
