Modimolle Aces were too strong for Phungo All Stars when they beat them 1-0 in a Vodacom league match at Eltivillas on Saturday.

Stars enjoyed more ball possesion, but their promising moves were turned into a nightmare by the rock-solid defence of Aces. This was mainly due to the fact that the boys from the Waterberg were cooling the ball down in the middle of the park, thus giving their opponents no chance to do as they pleased.

Aces abused countless scoring opportunities in the opening minutes. Thabo Male unleashed prematurely, instead of moving a few steps towards keeper Reason Mbedzi. The only player who was booked for rough tackling was Sifiso Masina of Stars. He tackled Sylvester Ramela from behind when the game was 34 minutes old.

The much-awaited goal for Aces came in the 39th minute. They were awarded a free kick, whichwas taken by Mfundusi Chauke, who scored from the spot.

Stars should have equalised, but Humbulani Matsa committed a big blunder when he shot straight to the stranded keeper of Aces.

Dion Phiri of the home team was cautioned with a card for rough play. The local lads' striker, Justice Rasibotsa, beat the whole defence and faced the keeper, but failed to give the ball to an unmarked team mate, Ivan Mahangwahaya, and his shot went astray.