Sekhukhune United claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Cape Town City in a Betway Premiership match played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday evening.
Keletso Makgalwa’s second-half penalty separated the teams, with Babino Noko snapping a two-game winless streak and rising to seventh place on the log on 13 points from eight matches – just two points short of third-placed Stellenbosch FC.
#BetwayPrem - RESULT:@SekhukhuneFc clinch all three points at home after winning against @CapeTownCityFC pic.twitter.com/ynT1ASZF5E
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) December 7, 2024
The Citizens, meanwhile, suffered a second straight loss (and extended their winless away run to seven matches) and found themselves in 13th place – just two positions and two points above the relegation playoff zone currently occupied by Magesi FC.
City had the first shot in anger, with Darwin Gonzalez firing wide from a tight angle in the sixth minute after kick off.
Sekhukhune had to wait until midway through the first half for their first genuine attempt on goal, with Daniel Cardoso’s header saved by City goalkeeper Darren Keet.
The visitors threatened again on the half hour mark, as Tshegofatso Nyama sent an effort toward the top corner of the net but saw it turned away by Sekhukhune shot stopper Lloyd Kazapua.
Babina Noko were forced into a change shortly before the break when Cameron Carnell gave way for Tshepo Mokoane, while Keletso Makgalwa also had an effort saved by Keet, leaving the game 0-0 at halftime.
The hosts put together a strong spell of pressure early in the second half and were rewarded with a penalty, as Mokoane drew a foul from Gonzalez in the 18-yard area. Makgalwa scored from the spot on the hour mark, putting Sekhukhune in control.
City responded by sending on Thamsanqa Mkhize, Lefa Aphane and Jody Ah Shene, as well as Thabo Nodada and Shakeel April late in the game, but they were unable to really threaten an equaliser.
Sekhukhune were able to hold firm in defence and secure their fourth league win of the 2024-25 campaign.
City will be back in league action on Saturday 14 December away to Chippa United, while Sekhukhune’s next Premiership match is away to Orlando Pirates on Tuesday 17 December.
Sekhukhune United (0) 1 (Makgalwa 60’ pen)
Cape Town City 0
Sekhukhune: Kazapua, Mkhabela, Yamba, Cardoso, Letlapa, Mkhize, Mbule (Mntambo 73’), Monare, Carnell (Mokoane 41’), Makgalwa (Mokhuoane 79’), Boyeli (Ohizu 73’)
City: Keet, Dondolo, Ziba, Cupido, Nyama (Mkhize 61’), Mokotjo (Aphane 70’), Amato, Francis (Nodada 83’), Domingo (April 83’), Gonzalez, Soukouna (Ah Shene 70’)