Western Stars enhanced their chances of reaching the regional final of the MMK Funeral Services promotional play-offs by beating Rabali Pull Together 2-1 at the Tshifulanani Stadium on Sunday. The victory was the second for Western Stars after beating Tshibvumo Young Stars 3-0 in their opening match at Makwarela on Saturday.

Sunday’s game was a war in the true sense of the word. At first it was Pull Together who were threatening to find the net, but things changed as the game approached the halfway mark of the first stanza. Rabelani Muofhe, the Pull Together right flank, had his chance in the ninth minute after receiving a brilliant pass from Thabelo Mandiwana. He shot aimlessly from close range and the ball went wide.

Western Stars regrouped and took the game to their opponents. No goal was seen during the first half, despite numerous attempts by both sides.

The game came to a standstill for about 14 minutes in the 54th minute. This after the referee, Mr Avhasei Simba, awarded Western Stars a controversial penalty. The officials and fans of Pull Together invaded the pitch, baying for the referee’s blood.  The situation came back to normal after the intervention by the security guards and league officials. Percy Munonoka scored from the white spot.

Rabali Pull Together were also awarded a penalty that was surrounded by controversy in the 69th minute. The keeper of Western Stars obstructed a player of Pull Together while saving a square pass, but the referee did not notice that. It was after consulting with his assistant that Simba awarded a penalty to Pull Together.  Thabelo Mandiwana scored the equalizer from the penalty spot.

Western Stars reclaimed the lead through Lucky Masutha. He scored with a volley in the 84th minute.