Wits win 3-1 against Free State Stars and move to second place on the standings

The comfortable win sees Gavin Hunt’s side move to within a point of log leaders Cape Town City, with two matches in hand.

The Students took the lead on 13 minutes when Sifiso Myeni made a great run down the wing before pulling the ball across the box, Gabadinho Mhango taking a touch and then squirming a shot past Thela Ngobeni into the bottom corner.

The Johannesburg side were moving the ball around nicely and they were close to adding a second on 28 minutes when Mhango’s chip landed on the roof of the net to Ngobeni’s relief.

Teenage striking sensation Mhalambi, back in the starting line-up after a lengthy injury absence, showed what his side has been missing when a blistering burst of speed resulted in him being fouled in the box by Fanele Filita.

Mahlambi took the spot kick himself and beat Ngobeni to double Wits’ lead on 36 minutes.

Despite having shown very little going forward, Stars were to pull a goal back three minutes before halftime thanks to a brilliant solo run through the heart of the Clever Boys defence and a composed finish by Thokozani Sekotlong.

The home team though were to ensure that Stars did not get any momentum going in the second half and they restored their two-goal cushion on the hour mark when Mahlambi reacted quickly from close range after Mogakolodi Ngele’s header had been clawed away by Ngobeni.

Things got worse for Ea Lla Koto when they were reduced to 10 men after a second yellow card for Angelo Kerspuy on 75 minutes.

A foul by Sifiso Hlanti eight minutes from time on Makhehlene Makhaula inside the box gave Stars the chance to pull one back from the penalty spot, but Darren Keet did superbly to save both the spot kick and the attempt on the rebound from Moeketsi Sekola.

Wits were able to stroll to the finish line, their league campaign back on track after going four matches without a victory.