Cape Town City Platinum Stars PSL Absa Premiership match report

Isaac Nhlapo gave Dikwena an early lead, stooping low to head in Ndumiso Mabena's inswinging free-kick after just four minutes had elapsed, with the Telkom Knockout winners still clearly suffering the after-effects of their cup success.

Stars' lead was doubled just five minutes later as Dikwena, desperate to turn around a disappointing start to the season, netted a second as Tintswalo Tshabalala scored in almost the same fashion after a deft outside-foot pass from Mabena.

City had a goal disallowed for a foul on Stars keeper Mbongeni Mzimela on 20 minutes, with Austrian Roland Putsche disappointed to see his header chalked off.

Then Bongi Ntuli added a third for Stars with the easiest of goals in the 76th minute, running onto Vuyo Mere's pass, beating the last defender Tshepo Gumede with a good touch and then rounding Shi-Aib Walters.

The lively Mabena put the cherry on top with a fourth goal to add to his two assists in the 82nd minute, perfectly controlling a switch-pass across field from Tshabalala on the left touchline, taking two touches and slotting in off the post.

Joseph Adjei rounded off a terrible night for the new League Cup champions with his second yellow card and a dismissal just before full-time.

To add insult to injury, at least City's embarrassment was not witnessed by many as there were probably a maximium of 500 supporters in attendance at Athlone Stadium.