Zoutpansberg Powerline gave away three points when they lost 2-1 to current log leaders Madombidzha Western Stars. The Safa Vhembe SAB match was played at the Madombidzha grounds on Sunday.

Powerline squandered numerous scoring opportunities in the opening minutes. Their speedy forward, Tshepo Ragimana, was unlucky as he missed a fortune 10 minutes into the game. He received a beautiful pass from Vhutshilo Mafunisa and shot aimlessly from inside the box, instead of taking his time before unleashing. He caused another upset a little later when he lost possession inside the box with the Stars keeper, Leonard Masala, already beaten.

A defender of Powerline, Thomas Machaba, was booked for dangerous play on Thabo Mamburu. Stars opened their account in the 34th minute. The keeper of Powerline, Musiwa Mangomeni, mishandled the ball and Maanda Magoro, who was waiting next to the goal line, blasted in a rocket. Five minute later, Stars added another goal when Daniel Nkosi dribbled pass three defenders in a row and scored easily.

The hosts had themselves to blame for their failure to produce a goal in the early minutes of the second half. Their striking force, manned by Lucky Masutha and Pfano Sithuga, was out of touch for the better part of the match.

Rudzani Nebulu scored the only goal for Powerlines.

Thomas Machaba of Powerline was cautioned with a card for rough play on Silas Rammbona. Credit should have gone to the Stars keeper, Leonard Masala, who made several saves. Powerline should have equalised, but they were denied the chance to break the rock-solid defence of their opponents.