MTNFootball

Ayanda Patosi

South African youngster Ayanda Patosi got his new Belgian Jupiler League season off to the perfect start as he scored Lokeren’s first goal in their 4-2 away success at Germinal Beerschot.

The 19-year-old played on the left-hand side of midfield and brought his side level midway through the first half after they had fallen behind to an early goal. It proved the turning point of the game as Lokeren took control from there and romped home to the win.

Having featured in the starting line-up for much of pre-season, it was a surprise to see national Under-23 goalkeeper Darren Keet on the bench for Kortrijk’s League opener against defending champions Anderlecht.

But the South African was introduced into the game just past the hour-mark when Kortrijk keeper Kristof van Hout received a red card for an infringement outside the area.

Keet pulled off some fine saves after that to see his side to a 1-1 draw and can now look forward to some more starts as Van Hout sits out a suspension.

May Mahlangu’s Helsingborg were surprising 2-1 losers at home to Norrkoping in the Swedish league, a blow to their chances of retaining their championship title this year.

Mahlangu has battled with his form in 2012 and once again failed to lift his side in what has been a disappointing domestic campaign for last year’s ‘Double’ winners.

It was also a bad day in the office for Bradley Ralani at Landskrona, as his side went down 2-0 away at Brommapojkarna in the second division.

In friendly action, Bafana Bafana midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi made his first appearance of pre-season for English Championship side Crystal Palace as they won 2-0 at Aldershot.

Dikgacoi missed Bafana’s June internationals through injury, but is now back in full training ahead of the new campaign.

Thulani Serero was an unused substitute as Ajax Amsterdam beat newly-promoted English Premiership side Southampton 1-0 at St Mary’s, while national Under-20 star Kgosi Ntlhe started for Championship outfit Peterborough United in their 2-0 friendly loss to Premiership Norwich City.