Staff Reporter.
@BackpagePix.
Cape Town City were denied a vital win after conceding a last-gasp penalty to Casric Stars resulting in a 1-1 draw in their promotion/playoff clash at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in Mpumalanga.
City played under the cosh during the first five minutes of the game and survived an early scare that required goalkeeper Darren Keet to pull off two consecutive saves to keep their scoreline intact.
The visitors were dealt with more pressure during the opening quarter, given Casric Stars early push for a goal. At the other end of the pitch, Jaedin Rhodes looked lively going forward and saw an early attempt drifting wide of the mark.
City managed to break the deadlock in the 26th minute as Prins Tjiueza added his name to the scoreboard.
Following a free-kick outside the area, Thami Mkhize’s clever flick found the forward who guided the ball home from close range.
With a goal to the good, City gained control of the match and saw out the half unscathed.
There was little action on both ends of the pitch after the restart, however, Casric Stars edged their opponents to the ball possession count leading up to the hour-mark.
While City kicked into game management mode, Casric pressed on in search of their opener and created more scoring opportunities as the 75th minute rolled on.
The Cape side looked dangerous at set-play situations and came close to doubling their lead after the hour-mark, this time with Nathan Fasika, who caused havoc around the 18-yard-area.
Then, as Casric had the last say in the encounter, the referee pointed to the spot after finding an infringement inside the box. After stepping up to the spot, Mlilo did well to put the ball beyond Keet in goal.
Diogo Peral and his charges will now face Orbit College on Wednesday, 25 June, while Casric are scheduled to face Orbit College on Saturday, 21 June.