Magesi FC have booked a spot in the final of the Carling Knockout Cup after defeating Richards Bay FC 1-0 at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday.
The Clinton Larsen-coached team sealed a hard-fought win against Bay with a first-half goal courtesy of Tshepo Mashigo.
Magesi travelled to KZN to face Richards Bay, looking to make it to final of the Carling Cup in their maiden season in the SA’s top-flight. The Limpopo-based side gained promotion to the Betway Premiership after winning the 2023/24 Motsepe Foundation Championship title.
In the CKO, Magesi caused a big upset after beating Orlando Pirates 3-2 at Orlando Stadium in the round of 16. They went on to beat TS Galaxy 1-0 in the quarter-finals before setting up a semi-final clash with the Natal Rich Boys.
Meanwhile, Richards Bay defeated Sekhukhune United 1-0 in the last 16 and claimed a 5-4 win on penalties against Cape Town City in the last eight.
In the first semi-final of the weekend, Magesi had a promising start to the match, creating a handful of goal-scoring opportunities.
TSHEPO MASHIGO PUNISH RICHARDS BAY’S DEFENSIVE FRAILTIES
Dikwena punished Richards Bay’s defensive frailties in the 27th minute after Tshepo Mashigo netted a goal to take a 1-0 lead.
Magesi continued to play a positive positional football, looking to get a second goal, however they went into the half-time break with a one-goal lead.
In the second-half, Richards Bay launched attacks to Magesi and created more scoring chances. Bay came close to finding an equalising goal through a powerful heard from Keegan Allan late in the second stanza, however the shot was saved by Magesi goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze.
Magesi held on to their 1-0 lead to eliminate Richards Bay from the Carling Knockout Cup. The Premiership newbies will face the winner between Mamelodi Sundowns and Marumo Gallants in the final. Sundowns and Magesi will lock horns at Petrus Molemela Stadium on Sunday. Kickoff is at 15h00.
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