Bidvest Wits conceded their first defeat of the new year after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Free State Stars in the Absa Premiership at the Bidvest Stadium on Friday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

Gavin Hunt’s side came into the encounter occupying 16th place in the Absa Premiership standings with 11 points after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Platinum Stars in their last match before the December break.

Luc Eymael’s men, meanwhile, sit fifth in the standings with 22 points, having claimed an impressive 2-1 victory over Orlando Pirates in their last PSL outing.

The Clever Boys looked the better side with Lehlohonolo Majoro nearly broke the deadlock in the opening exchanges of the clash, but the striker failed to guide his header towards the target.

The home side dominated in possession as the match went on but were finding it hard to penetrate the Ea Lla Koto defence.

However, Stars took the lead after 33 minutes when Thamsanqa Teyise found the back of the net with a well-executed volley to make it 1-0.

Wits came close to pulling a goal back five minutes before the half time interval after Daylon Claasen latched on to a ball by Majoro before volleying his effort wide of the target.

Majoro should’ve levelled matter after 60 minutes when Daine Klate played him through on goal, but the striker failed to bypass Stars goalkeeper Badra Sangare as the scoreline remained 1-0 in favour of Ea Lla Koto.

With 15 minutes left to play, Sangare came to his side’s rescue after he produced a fine save to keep out Vincent Pule’s strike from outside the box.

The Students pushed forward in search of an equalising goal in the closing stages of the match but were unable to break down the Stars defence as Eymael’s men held on to their one-goal lead until the final whistle to claim their first win in 2018.

In other Absa Premiership results: 

Ajax Cape Town 1-2 Maritzburg United

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix