It was the tale of two North West cities as well as the tale of two halves as Rustenburg’s Platinum Stars clawed out a 2-1 victory over Potchefstroom’s Jomo Cosmos at Olën Park on Sunday 13 September 2015.

Platinum Stars dominated the first half and held most of the possession as Robert Ng’ambi and Eleazar Rodgers scored in the 12th and 38th minute respectively to give them a 2-0 advantage. Stars though received a setback when Ndumiso Mabena was sent off for a reckless challenge on Cosmos’ Thabang Monare.

This seemed to spring Cosmos’ players into life as they controlled the match for the entire second half. Cosmos orchestrated most of their attacks on the left hand side with Mxolisi Macuphu and Cheslyn Jampies doing most of the running. They had a number of close chances but failed to reduce the two goal advantage that Stars had. Thato Lingwati had a fantastic opportunity to pull a goal back after 60 minutes but his audacious volley crept over the bar with Stars’ goalkeeper, Bouna Coundoul well beaten.

The crowd fully got into the game, with noise levels reaching ear deafening levels in the 73rd minute when Jampies put the ball into the corner of the net with low foot drive. Hope was on the horizon for Ezenkosi while Dikwena had to defend for their entire life to keep their precious one goal lead.Platinum Stars’ Isaac Nhlapo and Vuyo Mere were fantastic in defence, especially in the last few minutes as they put in a few great tackles and blocks to stop Cosmos from getting a goal.

Corner after corner and a number of crosses could not materialise in a goal as Platinum Stars walked away with all three points. Although Cosmos definitely deserved an equalizer, it was not meant to be for Jomo Sono’s men.

Cosmos now still have to pick up their first victory of the Absa Premiership season and will face a tough task in their next home match against the always dangerous Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday 27 September at Olën Park.

See the photos of the action here: https://www.citizen.co.za/potchefstroom-herald/3422/the-psl-comes-to-potchefstroom-as-cosmos-and-platinum-stars-entertain/