Magesi FC reached their first topflight cup final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Richards Bay in the Carling Knockout Cup on Saturday afternoon at King Zwelithini Stadium.
The historic win, a significant milestone for the club, came courtesy of a decisive 27th-minute goal by Tshepo Mashigo.Richards Bay had several chances to break the deadlock early on.
Yanela Mbuthuma missed an opportunity in the 15th minute, and Magesi’s keeper, Elvis Chipezeze, came to the rescue in the 23rd and 25th minutes, saving a long-range strike from Tlakusani Mthethwa and a curling effort from Mbuthuma.
Magesi nearly doubled their lead in the 77th minute with Wonderboy Makhubu’s shot, but Richards Bay’s keeper, Otieno, was alert to deny him.
Richards Bay’s hopes dimmed further when Tlakusani Mthethwa received a second yellow card in the 83rd minute, reducing them to ten men.
Under the guidance of coach Clinton Larsen, Magesi FC’s path to the final included victories over top sides Orlando Pirates, TS Galaxy, and finally Richards Bay, establishing themselves as a rising force in South African football.
In the second half, Mbuthuma continued his attempts, testing Chipezeze again with a tight-angle volley in the 59th minute, while Keegan Allan’s powerful header in the 67th minute was also thwarted by the in-form goalkeeper.
