Staff Reporter.
Relegated Cape Town City were held to a 1-1 draw by Casric Stars in the conclusion of the PSL Promotion Playoffs at the Cape Town Stadium on Monday.
With the fate of both sides already decided, the fixture served as a preview for the two future clashes between the teams in the Motsepe Foundation Championship next season.
Jody Lee Ah Shene fired City into the lead just seconds after Casric goalkeeper Tshigwana Mthombeni made a double save in the second minute, as he tapped home Luphumlo Sifumba’s pass from close range after Casric failed to clear the ball.
Casric’s first real chance came in the 13th minute as Augustine Mahlonoko played a beautiful through ball for Lifa Sylvester Makua, who shot from the edge of the area, his effort sailing over the bar.
The away team drew level in the 18th minute through captain Decide Chauke, who was played in by Teboho Lekhatla and showed great composure to hold off two defenders and find the back of the net.
City were denied a penalty in the 64th minute as Yagan Sasman brought down Siphamandla Dondolo, failing to get to the ball.
However, City’s protests fell on deaf ears.
In the 75th minute, substitute Abbey Junior Seseane cut onto his left foot on the edge of the box, his curling effort going narrowly wide of the post.
Substitute Mlungisi Zwane came close to a winning goal in the 78th minute, as fellow substitute Simon Moukete found him open on the far side of the box, but his volley went over the crossbar.
In the 82nd min, City youngster Emile Witbooi should have handed his side the lead from a swift counter attack but he tried to cut onto his favoured right foot and was dispossessed by Ofentse Mothapo.