Khanyisani Radebe scored in stoppage time as Milford FC secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Magesi FC in a PSL promotion/relegation playoff mini-league clash at Umhlathuze Sports Complex on Wednesday.
It was a lively contest, and the large crowd that turned out in Richards Bay to take advantage of the free entry was rewarded with a dramatic finish.
In the dying moments of the match, Radebe twisted his body brilliantly before unleashing a left-footed strike that beat Elvis Chipezeze and sent the home supporters into celebration.
The late goal left the Magesi players and technical team devastated, while Milford celebrated a crucial victory in the battle for promotion.
The match carried added significance as both sides had begun their playoff campaigns with victories over Cape Town City.
Milford were the first to claim three points, defeating the Cape side 1-0 at Athlone Stadium last week. Magesi followed that up with a 2-0 victory over John Comitis’ outfit at Seshego Stadium on Saturday to move to the top of the standings on goal difference.
Milford should have taken the lead in the early stages when Siphosethu Ndlabi found himself through on goal. However, instead of taking the shot himself, he attempted to square the ball to Mvelo Zikakayo.
The latter lost his footing, allowing Magesi to recover and clear the danger.
At the other end, Sphamandla Hlezi produced a superb save to deny Nyakala Raphadu after the Magesi attacker broke through on goal. With his defence exposed, Hlezi reacted brilliantly to push the effort away for a corner.
Clear-cut chances were few and far between as the match became increasingly scrappy in midfield, with both teams struggling to establish sustained periods of dominance.
A draw appeared the most likely outcome, given how evenly matched the sides were. It was also becoming evident that Milford and Magesi would be the main contenders in the race for promotion.
However, Magesi looked the more threatening side in the second half. Orlando Pirates loanee Sifiso Luthuli led the line impressively, using his strength to hold off defenders and bring his teammates into play.
One such move saw him set up Tholang Mashigo, who unleashed a powerful strike from distance, but Hlezi was equal to it and gathered comfortably.
Milford thought they had snatched the winner late on, only for the opportunity to go begging as players and supporters alike were left stunned.
But Radebe was not to be denied. Keeping the ball in play, he turned sharply before firing home a decisive effort to seal all three points for the hosts.
The victory sees Milford move to the top of the mini-league standings with six points from two matches. Magesi drop to second place on three points, while Cape Town City remain rooted to the bottom without a point after two games.
Milford will next host Cape Town City at Umhlathuze Sports Complex on Saturday.
A victory for the hosts would put them in a commanding position in the race for promotion, with momentum firmly on their side.
