Malawian coach Kinnah Phiri is certain of Free States Stars securing South Africa Absa Premiership survival after edging out Ajax Cape Town 1-0 on Wednesday night, in his team’s second consecutive win.
Playing at their homeground, Goble Park, Free State scored through Robert Sankara’s cool finish to move third from bottom of the 16-member league on 28 points from 26 games.
On Saturday, Free State also beat Esau Kanyenda’s Polokwane City 3-2. Kinnah was, as quoted by SuperSport website, relieved after the win over City.
“We have a sense of relief with our first win of the year. We have really played well, created a number of chances, but just not been able to score,” the ex-Flames mentor said.
Free State are ahead of second-from-bottom Amazulu (23 points, and Moroka Swallows (bottom on 23 points through inferior aggregate).
The going is getting tough for City, who on Wednesday night got thrashed 4-1 by leaders Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium with Matthews Rusike bagging a double. George Lebese and Benard Parker sealed the win with other strikes.
Chiefs have secured the title on 63 points from 27 games. Sundowns occupy second slot with 48 points from 26 matches. Ajax are sixth on 37 points whereas City take the ninth place on 33 points.
In other games played on Wednesday night, Robert Ng’ambi was in the thick of things as Platinum Stars (12th) drew 1-1 with Mamelodi Sundowns at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Captain Alje Scut (50) had opened the scoring for Sundowns, but substitute Mogakolodi Ngele (68) levelled to take a point for Stars.
