Cape Town City FC suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Milford FC in the opening fixture of the PSL Promotion Play-Offs at Athlone Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
Milford came into the encounter determined to make an early statement in the mini-league, while Cape Town City searched for a positive start in front of their home supporters.
The visitors found the breakthrough in the 22nd minute after Milford forward Ndlabi rounded the goalkeeper before being brought down inside the area. The referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot after the challenge.
Two minutes later, Ndlabi stepped up confidently and calmly converted from the spot to hand Milford a crucial 1-0 lead.
Milford nearly doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time when Ndlabi attempted another effort on goal, but the chance failed to materialise before the referee blew for halftime.
The visitors were forced into a halftime substitution after Comfort Sibiya was unable to continue due to injury, with Mthabela coming on in his place.
Cape Town City pushed aggressively for an equaliser in the second half and earned a free-kick in the 56th minute, but Milford dealt with the danger comfortably.
Goalkeeper Hleza then produced a superb save in the 58th minute to deny Witbooi’s direct attempt at goal, keeping Milford’s lead intact.
A minute later, Moosa’s header for City drifted wide as the hosts continued to search for a way back into the match.
Cape Town City introduced Tjiueza and Sereetsi in a double substitution on the hour mark in an effort to inject energy into their attack.
Rhodes later fired wide in the 62nd minute as City’s frustrations continued to grow.
The closing stages saw Milford pinned deep inside their own half as Cape Town City piled on the pressure, but the visitors defended resolutely to secure an important victory away from home.
Speaking after the match, Cape Town City coach Jan Vreman admitted his side struggled to break Milford down.
“Milford made it difficult for us hey,” said Vreman.
Milford coach Pupuma praised his team’s effort after the hard-fought win.
“Very tough game that we played, they are difficult to play,” said Pupuma.
The result gives Milford FC an early advantage in the PSL Promotion Play-Off race as the battle for a place in next season’s Betway Premiership continues.