University of Pretoria began the Promotion/Relegation Play-Offs with a late victory over Baroka FC on Sunday afternoon.
PSL Promotion/Relegation Play-Offs
Result: University of Pretoria 1-0 Baroka
Date: 02 June 2024
Venue: ABSA Tuks Stadium
AmaTuks were boosted by the return of Samuel Julies and Delano Abrahams while Baroka welcomed back to experienced Lehlohonolo Nonyane, as the only change from their last game against the same opposition.The hosts were forceful in the early stages as on 18 minutes Mamelodi Sundowns loanee Thabang Sibanyoni had a threatening header in the box that missed slightly wide.
Tlisane Motaung's charges continued to threaten aerially, as a few minutes later Sikhosonke Langa had a header that bounced on top of the crossbar.
Bakgaga only upped their game going forward with ten minutes remaining of the first stanza after Ananias Gebhardt had a goal-bound header in the six-yard box that was heroically kept out by goalkeeper Edward Maova.
Dan Malesela's troops managed to keep AmaTuks quiet after that as they had the momentum going forward but they could not create further clear-cut chances and the sides went to the break deadlocked.
Both teams struggled to establish their rhythm from the break and the game came to life again on the hour-mark after AmaTuks' Sibanyoni unleashed a looping volley from range that sailed slightly over the crossbar.
The visitors also had a much better chance moments later after Tshepho Mashiloane went through on goal but his shot was deflected into the side netting.
Both sides resisted making changes until the last ten minutes after Baroka brought on Kagiso Selemela in place of Sydney Malivha for fresh legs in midfield.
With the game on the edge, Kamohelo Pheeane eventually broke the deadlock for the Tshwane side three minutes before time with a low shot in the box after a through ball by Julies.
The Limpopo side struggled to get out of their own half, as they were occupied by AmaTuks who did just enough to start off with maximum points.
Motaung's men will be back in action on Wednesday afternoon when they visit Richards Bay at King Zwelithini Stadium.
Here's how they lined up:
University of Pretoria: Maova, Makara, Majadibodu, Mahlangu, Abrahams, Mpedi, Julies, Marenbane, Sibanyoni, Pheeane
Subs: Dlamini, Mokoena, Gum, Mampuru, Mohlamonyane, Tonisi, Mvambi, Mkhuma, Makungo
Baroka: Pule, Mashiloane, Nonyane, Mathiane, Gebhardt, Sikhosana, Sithole, Malivha, Madingwana, Mtombeni, Lekoloane
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