Staff Reporter.
@BackpagePix.
Magesi FC claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Richards Bay in the Carling Knockout semifinal match at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban on Saturday afternoon.
Neither goalkeeper was tested in the opening 15 minutes of the encounter as both teams struggled to keep possession in the final third in order to try to create goalscoring opportunities.
However, the deadlock was broken in the 27th minute following a mistake by Tshepo Mabua whose poor back pass was fired home by his namesake Tshepo Mashigo and Magesi were 1-0 up at halftime.
Elvis Chipezeze was the busier of the two goalkeepers after the restart – denying Yanela Mbuthuma at the near post on the hour-mark before gathering an attempt from Justice Figareido in the 62nd minute.
The Zimbabwean shot-stopper then pulled off a good save to deny Keegan Allan in the 68th minute before Richards Bay were reduced to 10 players in the 84th minute after Tlakusani Mthethwa was sent off and Magesi held on to win 1-0.
Dikwena Tsa Meetse will lock horns with either Mamelodi Sundowns or Marumo Gallants at the Toyota Stadium on 23 November.
Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.