Cosmos get win, despite nervy finish

Cosmos blew out a huge sigh of relief after securing their first win in four games at Olen Park this afternoon. A smart left foot strike from Cheslyn Jampies after 54 minutes secured an important win 1-0 for Jomo Cosmos against Free State Stars as they aim to stay in the Absa Premiership this season.
Cosmos needed to snap a 3 match winless run and get themselves out of the danger zone. .
Things started well for Sono as Cosmos almost scored the first goal from a corner but Diakite made a great save from Cheslyn Jampies, much to the anguish of Sono on the sidelines. Cosmos did most of the attacking early on but could not score a vital goal.
A call for a penalty in the 15th minute as Brice Aka went down, but the referee, Victor Hlongwane saw nothing doing.
Cosmos needed to keep the ball and kicking long balls gave no benefits to a staunch Free State side that had an obvious defensive game plan with five defenders marshaling the back.
Ea Lla Koto and Cosmos both displayed their fear of conceding a goal as they scrapped though a somewhat boring first half to a 0-0 scoreline at half time.
One cannot take away the fact that it was testing and difficult in the rain, but both sides needed more urgency even though the rain was pouring down in buckets at Olen Park.
The game came alive in the second half as the dull and stale first half ignited as the thunder roared as the second half started.
Cosmos defence fell asleep in the 50 minute as Free State Stars had a free header that just missed the target.
Free State Stars had another brilliant chance to gab the opening goal from Danny Venter, but his shot hit the post.
Jampies’ goal came from a superbly crafted training ground move that fooled Stars defence as he stuck the ball into the corner of the net from a free kick.
Cosmos had a barrage of chances afterwards but was wasted them, most notably Charlton Mashumba who missed a sitter from in front of goal.
Free State Stars needed to fight back and almost got an equaliser but Sherwyn Naicker made a fantastic one handed save at full stretch.
The final moments were tense and would have given Sono some nervous moments as he knew that he side could have had a much greater lead.
It was heart in mouth stuff for Cosmos as Stars had a great chance to score in stoppage time but Naicker once again came up with the goods.
Free State Stars will kick themselves after going home to Bethlehem with zero points, as they played the better football.
“It was a scrappy game, but at least we got the three points. I need to take a lot of aspirin now to take the blood pressure down,” joked Sono after his side missed numerous chances.
“All in all I am happy with the three points,” he said.