Western Cape side Stellenbosch FC moved into the top five in South Africa's Betway Premiership on Tuesday following a 2-1 home victory over Magesi FC.
The visitors from Limpopo Province provided tougher resistance than expected but the hosts prevailed at the Danie Craven Stadium. After a deliberate start from both teams, Stellies made the first breakthrough in the 21st minute after left back Fawaaz Basadien's excellent cross caused Magesi defender Mzwandile Buthelezi to direct the ball into his own goal.
The response was swift from the visitors, who equalized five minutes later. After forward Thabang Sibanyoni was unlucky to score, an ensuing corner kick found Buthelezi who flicked his header towards the far post for Given Mashikinya to finish from close range.
But Stellies were back up before halftime when former Cape Town Spurs striker Ashley Cupido ran onto a long ball from Phili Langelihle and did excellently to avoid pursuing Magesi defenders, slotting home the match winner in the 37th minute. The match died down after halftime and Magesi were unable to break down the Stellies defense for a leveler.
Stellenbosch, who continue to make up games on the rest of the competitions due to their CAF Confederation Cup group stage duties, leaped past three clubs to move into 5th place. Stellies will have an opportunity to move into fourth if they can this weekend when they host Polokwane City on Friday.
Magesi, second from bottom only because of Royal AM's financial issues, host SuperSport United on Saturday.
League Table (Top-8)
GP | Points | |
Mamelodi Sundowns | 18 | 48 |
Orlando Pirates | 15 | 36 |
Sekhukhune United | 18 | 31 |
Polokwane City | 19 | 30 |
Stellenbosch | 17 | 27 |
AmaZulu | 19 | 26 |
TS Galaxy | 19 | 25 |
Kaizer Chiefs | 18 | 25 |
Comments