Bidvest Wits Defeat Ten-Man Dikwena

ABSA Premiership

Date: 21 December 2011

Teams: Wits 2–1 Platinum Stars

Venue: Bidvest Stadium

Referee: Gabriel Sekopo

Wits extended their unbeaten league run to six games with a 2-1 victory over 10-man Platinum Stars on Wednesday evening.

Miguel Timms netted a 64th minute winner at Bidvest Stadium after Henrico Botes cancelled out Sibusiso Vilakazi’s first half opener for the home team.

Stars were forced to play the final 20 minutes a man short following substitute Joseph Malongoane’s dismissal.

The Students were 1-0 up early on, as Vilakazi fired into the bottom left corner after being teed up by Sandile Sibande in the 11th minute. It was Vilakazi’s third goal in two games, as the Wits midfielder struck twice in last weekend’s 2-1 defeat of Black Leopards.

There were few genuine opportunities in the first stanza, although Botes toiled hard for Dikwena up front, while Sifiso Myeni and Ryan Chapman threatened on occasion at the other end.

With possession evenly shared, the second period offered both teams the prospect of taking control of their final fixture before the league breaks until 15 February 2012.

Stars took the initiative after the break, as speedy Namibia international, Botes, drew level in the 51st minute after collecting Nyawuza Ntsikelelo’s pass.

However, Timms hit back just past the hour when he rattled home from 18 yards out, with Vilakazi turning provider this time.

Dikwena weren’t helped when Malongoane was given his marching orders late on for a rough challenge and then remonstrating with the official Gabriel Sekopo.

Roger de Sa’s men protected their lead to maintain their top eight standing heading into the New Year, while Stars are 13th.

Bidvest Wits: Energy Murambadoro, Patrick Phungwayo, Sipho Mngomezulu, Mbulelo Mabizela, Siboniso Gumede, Sandile Sibande, Sifiso Myeni (Pule 69′), Ryan Chapman, Asive Langwe (Vilakazi 63′), Sibusiso Vilakazi (Masalesa 80′), Miguel Timms.

Platinum Stars: Siyabonga Mpontshane, Mbhuyiselo Sambu, Thibiso Semenya, Elias Ngwepe, Phelelani Mpangase, Thuso Phala, Innocent Mkhabela (Thebakeng 53′)(Ngambi 66′), Sibusiso Msomi (Malongoane 53′), Nyawuza Ntsikelelo, Lindokuhle Mbatha, Henrico Botes.

Goals: Sibusiso Vilakazi (Wits 10’), Henrico Botes (Platinum Stars 51’), Miguel Timms (Wits 64’).

Article from: http://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/article/south-africa/wits-defeat-ten-man-dikwena

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