Richards Bay vs Magesi Prediction: A crucial fixture for the two sides

In the semi-final round of the South Africa Carling Cup, Richards Bay will play Magesi at King Zwelithini Stadium. Heading into this game, both teams will meet for the first time in their clubs’ history. Which team makes it to the final?

Richards Bay's last league encounter was against Orlando Pirates, and they lost. In what was a league game, Evidence Makgopa's lone strike was the difference. However, the last time Richards Bay played in the Carling Cup, they needed a penalty shootout to get past Cape Town City, having settled for a goalless outcome at full-time. Heading into this game, Richards Bay have two wins in their last matches, lost two and drew two. 

Magesi are coming off a 0-1 win over TS Galaxy in their last cup encounter and will look to replicate that feat here. In that game, Magesi had 38 percent of the possession and converted their only shot that was on target, thanks to Lehlegonolo Mokone’s brilliance. However, prior encounters to this game saw Magesi being unbeaten in their last six matches, winning three and drawing three. 

Magesi might be doing averagely better than Richards Bay at the moment, but I do not see them winning here. While looking at experience, which is needed in stages of competitions like this, Richards Bay are at an advantage and are also at the home venue. The two teams should have their chances, looking at the winning odds and how crucial this fixture is. Yet, the home team should be able to make it to the next round, a game that should end with few goals.