Magesi Condemn Cape Town City To Second Straight Playoff Defeat
Magesi FC got their PSL Promotion Playoffs campaign off to a flying start with a 2-0 victory over Motsepe Foundation Championship runners-up Cape Town City at Seshego Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Dikwena Tsa Meetse entered the match desperate for maximum points as they look to secure an immediate return to the Betway Premiership following a disappointing season that saw them finish 15th in the league standings.
The victory sees the 2024 Carling Knockout champions move to the top of the mini-league on three points, level with Milford but ahead on goal difference.
Milford, who finished third in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, had earlier defeated Cape Town City 1-0 in their opening playoff fixture, meaning the Citizens have now suffered back-to-back defeats and remain rooted to the bottom of the table without a point.
Magesi’s next assignment is a top-of-the-table clash against Milford at the Umhlathuze Sports Complex on Wednesday, while Cape Town City will face Milford at the same venue on Saturday.
Both sides started brightly and created early opportunities, but neither could find the breakthrough during the opening 20 minutes despite some promising attacking play.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 34th minute when Mcedi Vandala calmly converted a penalty with a left-footed effort into the bottom corner after Cape Town City goalkeeper Mickey van der Hart dived the wrong way. The spot-kick was awarded after Cayden Fortune brought down Lehlohonolo Mtshali inside the box.
Cape Town City emerged with greater urgency after the break and nearly found an equaliser through veteran forward Kegan Dolly, whose powerful long-range effort was brilliantly tipped away by Magesi goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze in the 60th minute.
Eight minutes later, Magesi doubled their lead through Edmore Chirambandare, who reacted quickest to tap home from close range after Van der Hart had parried Vandala’s initial attempt.
Both teams continued to battle fiercely in the closing stages, producing end-to-end action, but neither side was able to add to the scoreline as Magesi held on comfortably for a deserved 2-0 victory.
