POLOKWANE – Highlandspark Silver Stars have booked a place in the Top 8 stage of the Coca-Cola Cup. They deservedly beat Supersport United 2-0 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Sunday.

Silver Stars displayed the same pattern of play that saw them holding the league champions, Orlando Pirates, to a 1-1 draw in their league fixture at the Orlando Stadium two weeks ago. The Limpopo lads showed a spirit of commitment from the onset and gave the Pretoria side no chance to display their normal entertaining football in the middle of the park.

The result was not a true reflection of the game, as the home boys missed an avalanche of goals. Daniel Matsau of United was booked by referee Morne Daniels in the 5th minute, for a late tackle on Jabulani Nkosi. Jabulani Nkosi took the local side to the lead three minutes after the incident. He sent in a rocket, after a heartbreaking scramble within United's penalty box.

What could have been Supersport's only goal, was turned into a nightmare in the 18th minute. Frank Makua went loose and beat the Stars' keeper, Daniel Diale, but the assistant referee's flag was already up for an offside. The former Black Leopards forward of Stars, Dingaan Masanabo, was cautioned for a rough tackle on Frank Makua.

The homeside's second goal came a minute before the teams adjourned for half-time. Dingaan Masanabo received a pre-cooked pass from Edward Williams and pretended that he wanted to pass the ball to Surprise Moriri, before unleashing a groundcutter that left the United keeper a flabbergasted man.

Edward Williams was obstructed on the brink of registering his team's third goal and the referee awarded a penalty. Surprise Moriri shot straight into the keeper's hands. Silver Stars introduced Thabang Lebese and Byala Mushadu for Surprise Moriri and Jabulani Nkosi towards the end of the game.