Free State Stars coach Serame Letsoaka has urged his side to move on following their 1-0 defeat against Highlands Park on Sunday.

Ea Lla Koto fell to their 10th defeat in the Absa Premiership through a goal by Mothobi Mvala, who scored an 86th-minute goal to hand the Lions of the North all three points to move a single point below Stars.

The 53-year-old believes his side’s lack of attacking intent that cost them the match and the chance to move above Bloemfontein Celtic in 13th place.

‘I think we had a very bad first-half, we had and improved second-half but which was also not effective,’ Letsoaka told the Free State Stars website.

‘If one looks at the match I think we had one shot at goal or rather one opportunity at goals.’

Letsoaka continued to say that the Lions of the North put pressure on his side and did not allow his side to implement their game plan.

‘Our players when they have the ball they give it away, it’s a little bit of a worry. Muhammed Anas did not get enough service up front and a lot happened before the game but that’s not the excuse,’ He added.

‘Goodman Dlamini’s introduction in midfield helped us a bit he tried to put the ball on the feet and his experience helped us a lot, but the opposition did not allow us to play and they put pressure on our players.

‘The overall performance was not up to scratch and it’s one of those games that one needs to quickly forget.’

Ea Lla Koto are currently occupying 14th place in the Absa Premiership with 18 points, having won just four out of 20 matches played so far this season.

Free State Stars will next welcome Highlands Park to Goble Park when the two sides meet in the Nedbank Cup on Saturday.

Kick-off has been set for 20:15.

Image: Free State Stars website