Platinum Stars were left frustrated by NFD champions Baroka at home on Saturday as they were unable to claw back a 1-0 deficit.

The game got off to a cagey start as neither outfit managed to manufacture any clear-cut chances in the opening 30 minutes of action. The best opportunity for Stars came off a corner kick in the 22nd minute before Baroka’s best opportunity came from free kick with 27-minutes gone.

The game began to open up more thereafter as Thobani Kunene’s weak shot was easily saved by Baroka’s goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke before the shot-stopper was forced into another save after 35-minutes.

The pendulum swung back the way of the promoted side after 39-minutes as Baroka were awarded a penalty following a foul by Mbongeni Mzimela. Ndivhuwo Ravhuhali duly fired home the spot kick to hand Baroka the lead at half-time.

The first chance of the second-half came the way of Jacky Motshegwa as his shot forced an excellent save from Mzimela with 54-minutes played.

Baroka began piling on the pressure around the hour mark but neither side created too many scoring chances over the following period of play.

With Dikwena having failed to make the most of a free kick after 79-minutes they piled on the pressure late on in desperate search of an equaliser. Neither side was ultimately able to manufacture a golden chance, however, as at full time the score remained 1-0 to Baroka.

In other action across the Premiership on Saturday, Polokwane City played hosts to newly promoted side Highlands Park and emerged victors by a 3-2 scoreline in what proved to be a thriller.