Makhitha Oscar Stars strengthened their position in the Safa Vhembe SAB league after beating the struggling Phungo All Stars 2-0 at the Maniini grounds on Sunday.

Phungo had an early opportunity for a goal, but Thomas Maemu shot into the hands of the opponents´ keeper, Lufuno Maseda, from the penalty area. The visiting side´s misfortunes continued in the 12th minute, when Itani Selota shot over the bar with only the keeper to beat.

Philemon Maalazwanda of All Stars was yellow-carded for rough tackling a few minutes later. The visiting side´s misfortune continued in the 26th minute when Raymond Netshiendeulu´s well-timed shot missed the poles by a mere inch. The scoreboard was still blank at the break.

The second half was war from the onset and Stars set off at a blistering pace, giving their opponents not a moment to breathe. The boys from Kutama should have scored in the 55th minute, but their striker, Freezer Moyaba, hesitated for too long, allowing the defence to clear the ball. Stars´ striker, Maringa Netshiendeulu, did not live up to expectations as he was tightly marked and this forced the technical team to replace him. Stars showed a spirit of commitment, with their mid fielders distributing some telling passes to the front-runners.

Their left flank, Phumudzo Tseisi, was unfortunate in the 68th minute when he shot wide from close range. Phungo had their chances as well. It was their demon striker, Vhatali Munyai, whose beautiful pass was well received by Khuliso Masindi, who tried his luck from outside the box. The ball hit the woodwork and bounced back into the field of play.

Frazer Moyaba scored the first goal for his team when he received a well-cooked pass from Phunudzo Tseisi to make the score 1-0. The goalkeeper of Stars was given a yellow card shortly afterwards for wasting time.

Tseisi sealed matters for Stars when he dribbled past three defenders in a row, only to be brought down inside the penality area. The referee, Bethuel Mudau, pointed to the white spot. Godwin Mahuwa scored from the spot to make the final score2-0.