Magesi FC strengthened their position in the PSL Promotion Play-Offs with a convincing 2-0 victory over Cape Town City at Seshego Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The result leaves Cape Town City under increasing pressure after suffering a second consecutive defeat in the mini-league, having fallen 1-0 to Milford FC in their opening fixture at Athlone Stadium.
City started brightly and almost made the perfect start inside the opening minute, earning two consecutive corners, but they were unable to turn either opportunity into a meaningful chance.
The visitors continued to threaten early on. In the 11th minute, Rhodes beat his marker and unleashed a shot on his weaker foot. The effort spilled kindly inside the area, but Zajmović could not force the rebound over the line.
A minute later, Magesi goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze was called into action with a crucial save to keep the score level.
Cape Town City maintained the pressure and in the 13th minute Keagan Dolly tried his luck from distance. Rhodes looked ready to pounce on any rebound, but the ball eventually ran out for a goal kick.
The visitors came close again in the 23rd minute when Amato curled a free-kick narrowly into the side netting.
Despite City’s bright opening, it was Magesi who struck first. In the 33rd minute, the hosts were awarded a penalty after a foul inside the box. Mcedi Vandala stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to give Magesi a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
Neither side made changes at halftime, but Magesi nearly doubled their advantage four minutes into the second half. Vandala delivered a dangerous corner which found Mokone, whose powerful header crashed against the crossbar.
Cape Town City introduced young talent Emile Witbooi in the 56th minute as they searched for a way back into the contest.
Moments later, Vandala almost grabbed his second goal of the afternoon, but his effort was well saved.
Magesi eventually found the cushion they were looking for in the 68th minute when Chirambandare finished clinically to make it 2-0 and put the hosts firmly in control.
City’s frustrations were compounded late in the match when substitute Francis received a straight red card in the 88th minute shortly after entering the field.
Magesi comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to secure all three points and move a step closer to securing their Betway Premiership status.
Speaking after the match, Magesi head coach Allan Freese praised his side’s performance but felt the scoreline could have been even more emphatic.
“I think we played hard, we could’ve scored more than two. We go now and prepare for Milford.”
Magesi will now turn their attention to a crucial clash against Milford FC, while Cape Town City face an uphill battle to keep their promotion hopes alive.
image: DJ Brian Rikhotso