Magesi secured a crucial three points in their Betway Premiership encounter against Polokwane City, claiming a hard-fought 1-0 victory at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The visitors showed their intent from the outset, with Tshepo Kakora making an early interception that set the tone for what was to come. However, Polokwane City goalkeeper Manuel Sapunga was alert, making a crucial save to deny Magesi an early breakthrough.
Dikwena Tsa Meetse pressed high from the start, refusing to let Rise and Shine settle in possession. Simon Ramabu attempted an early shot for the hosts, but his effort was well off target as Polokwane City searched for an opener.
Magesi capitalised in the 20th minute from a well-taken free-kick by Mcedi Vandala. Thabang Sibanyoni met the delivery with a diving header, leaving Sapunga with no chance and handing the visitors a deserved lead.
Buoyed by their advantage, Magesi grew in confidence, though Polokwane City had their own chances to push forward. The first half ended with the visitors maintaining their narrow lead.
The second half saw Magesi continue their momentum, with Sibanyoni nearly doubling his tally in the 55th minute. His acrobatic effort forced Sapunga into another save, keeping the hosts in the contest.
Polokwane City dominated possession in the closing stages, desperately searching for an equaliser. However, Elvis Chipezeze stood firm between the sticks for Magesi, pulling off key saves to preserve his side’s clean sheet.
In the end, Rise and Shine were left frustrated as they failed to convert their dominance into goals, while Magesi walked away with a vital three points in their fight for survival.
Polokwane City (0) 0
Magesi (1) 1 (Sibanyoni 20’)
Polokwane City: M. Sapunga, S. Makhubela, B. Nikon, L. Nkaki, A. Gwangqa, M. Batlhabane, M. Kambala, S. Ramabu (S. Goovadia 81’), P. Tlolane (L. Ntamane 81’), O. Appollis, R. Daniels (S. Tshabalala 67’)
Magesi: E. Chipezeze, J. Mokone, L. Mokone, T. Makgoga, D. Abrahams, B. Komane, S. Darpoh, T. Kakora, L. Mtshali (N. Makhubela 82’), M. Vandala, T. Sibanyoni