Tuks register first win of 2014

The University of Pretoria recorded their first win of the year with a 1-0 triumph over Platinum Stars in an Absa Premiership encounter at Tuks Stadium on Sunday. Thabo Mnyamane’s goal ended a three-game losing streak.

Mpho Matsi and Thabo Mnyamane went close for the hosts in the early exchanges.

Matsi’s hopeful volley attempt went just wide of Siyabonga Mpontshane’s goal, while Mnyamane failed to finish off from close range after the ball somehow ended at his feet following a goal scramble.

Robert Ng’ambi sent a towering header just wide of Washington Arubi’s goal before Mnyamane made up for his earlier miss, finishing off from close range in the 32^nd minute. Vuyo Mere failed to clear a ball from the right flank, Mnyamane pounced to net his second goal of the campaign.

Buhle Mkhwanazi made a superb covering tackle on the stroke of half-time to retain the hosts’ lead. Mogakolodi looked straight through on goal but Mkhwanazi ceased the Botswana international’s run.

Robert Ng’ambi went close early in the second stanza for  Dikwena, but it was Tuks who looked the most likely to score next.

Stars pressed forward and as a result looked increasingly vulnerable on the counter.

Geofrey Massa had a couple of opportunities to double the hosts lead just before the hour mark but was denied by Mpontshane on both occasions.

Mpontshane was again on hand in the 81^st minute, this time to keep out Raymond Monama’s looping effort.

Tuks were deserved winners in the end, the three points subsequently moves them up to 11^th spot, while Stars remain in sixth.

University of Pretoria (1) 1 (Mnyamane 32’)

Platinum Stars 0

University of Pretoria: Washington, Kekana, Monyai, Mkhwanazi, Sibande, Monama (Ngubane 83’), Ketjijere,  Matsi, Nyondo (Mosadi 61’), Mnyamane, Massa (Zwane 69’)

Platinum Stars: Mpontshane, Mere, Gumede, Mhlongo, Ngwepe, Mathe, Ng’ambi, Tshabalala (Hadebe 56’), Mbatha, Ngele, Botes (T.Mthembu 56’)

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