Cape Town City are running out of road in the PSL promotion/relegation playoffs after suffering a second consecutive defeat on Saturday afternoon.
The Citizens were beaten 2-0 by Magesi FC at Seshego Stadium, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the mini-league without a single point from their opening two matches.
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The result follows their 1-0 defeat to Milford FC earlier in the playoffs and increases the pressure ahead of their remaining fixtures.
City arrived in Limpopo knowing they could not afford another slip-up and made a positive start to the contest. The visitors enjoyed promising moments in attack and looked the more threatening side during the opening stages. But they were unable to convert that early momentum into a goal.
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MAGESI TAKE CONTROL OF PLAYOFF RACE
The turning point arrived midway through the first half when Magesi were awarded a penalty after a challenge inside the box. Mcedi Vandala stepped up and calmly converted to hand the hosts the advantage.
That goal shifted the momentum of the match. While City continued searching for a way back into the contest, Magesi grew in confidence and looked increasingly dangerous whenever they attacked.
The hosts could have extended their lead earlier in the second half, but eventually found the second goa. Edmore Chirambadare’s finish put daylight between the two sides and left City with a mountain to climb.
Veteran midfielder Keagan Dolly came closest to providing a response for the visitors, forcing a strong save with a powerful effort from distance. But City struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against a disciplined Magesi defence.
CITY LEFT WITH MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB
The afternoon became even more frustrating for the Citizens. Kayden Francis was shown a red card late in the match, reducing the visitors to 10 men.
For Magesi, the victory represents the perfect start to their playoff campaign. It strengthens their chances of retaining their Betway Premiership status. The Limpopo side now sit at the top of the playoff standings on goal difference.
Cape Town City, meanwhile, find themselves staring at a difficult challenge. With back-to-back defeats and no points on the board, the Citizens now need a strong response in their remaining playoff matches.
What once looked like a short route back to the top flight is quickly becoming a fight for survival.
