Baroka advanced to the next round of the Nedbank Cup after claiming a narrow 1-0 victory over Platinum Stars at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Wednesday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

Dikwena came out with more intent in the opening exchanges of the match and nearly broke the deadlock when Letsie Koapeng was played through on goal, but fired his effort straight into the hands of Ayanda Dlamini.

Dlamini came to his sides rescue in the 16th minute after he produced a fine save to deny Gerald Phiri’s strike from distance.

The home side were dominating proceedings as the match went on, while Baroka struggled to find their rhythm to break down Dikwena’s defence.

Riyaad Norodien should’ve handed Dikwena the lead on the stroke of half time, but the winger failed to beat Dlamini from close range.

Charles Baloyi nearly opened the scoring for Stars, but his effort from outside the box sailed over the target as the scoreline remained goalless.

Bakgaga were then awarded a penalty in the 68th minute, Gift Motupa stepped up and made no mistake to convert the spot-kick to make it 1-0.

The visitors were then reduced to 10 men with 15 minutes left to play after Goodman Mosele received his marching orders for his second bookable offence.

Dikwena pressed forward in search of an equalising goal in the closing stages of the match, but Baroka held on to their one-goal lead until the final whistle to book their place in the Nedbank Cup last 16.

In other Nedbank Cup results:

Stellenbosch 1-0 Highlands Park

Richards Bay 5-0 Bloemfontein Young Stars

Super Eagles 1-2 Free State Stars