Highlands Park 2-0 Natal United

Highlands Park beat Natal United 2-0 at the King Zwelithini Stadium to end top of Group B at the SAFA Second Division/ ABC Motsepe League, clinching promotion to the National First Division in the process.

Highlands started the game with real purpose and intent and should have been ahead on seven minutes, but shooting from 12-yards out, Matome Mabebe dragged his shot wide of the left hand upright.

Collen Zimba came close when he thumped a powerful free kick into the crossbar while after Mabebe’s header was parried back into play by Natal keeper Gezani Zondi, Richard Matloga saw his shot from a tight angle rebounding off the inside of the crossbar.

The breakthrough Highlands were looking for finally arrived deep inside first half added time when Logelo Zondi conceded a penalty, with Zimba making no mistake from the spot.

Highlands Park continued to have the better of the game in the second half, but Zimba missed a great opportunity from right in front of goal when he shot wide on the hour mark.

There was an even closer call for a second goal a minute later, but having beaten keeper Zondi to the ball, Teboho Kalake saw his parting shot from a very tight angle hitting the upright.

But Park were to make sure of the win, and their place in the National First Division for next season when a flowing move ended with Simphiwe Tshabalala squeezing a low shot in at the near post from the edge of the area, five minutes from time.

In another Group B SAFA Second Division/ ABC Motsepe Playoff game, Magesi FC secured a 3-0 win over Steach United to end their campaign in second position on the Group B standings.

Lekgoana Laka paved the way to victory with a brace, with Chwene Sealea adding a third goal for the Limpopo outfit.

Cape Town All Stars 5-1 Shining Stars

Cape Town All Stars hammered North West side Shining Stars 5-1 in their final Group A SAFA Second Division/ ABC Motsepe League playoff match, while a 2-1 win for Apollo over Sibanye Golden Stars kept the North West side’s promotion dreams alive as well.

Shining Stars took a 17th minute lead when Siyanda Ngubo latched on to a loose ball in the box, slamming the ball into the roof of the net from 15-yards out.

But the lead was only to last a couple of minutes as Marcelino Johnson scored from close range after Shining Stars had failed to clear a corner kick.

Instead it was the Cape Town club who were to go in front, 10 minutes into the second half, when Johnson notched his second goal of the game, converting from the penalty spot after Lebogang Mathopa committed a foul in the box.

With 20 minutes left to play, All Stars added a third goal when Sphelele Mkhize powered home a header from a corner kick.

Two late goals, a well placed left foot shot by Aphiwe Mhlongo, and a last-second header by Thabiso Mgwaba, wrapped up a convincing win for the Cape side.

In another Group A SAFA Second Division/ ABC Motsepe League playoff match played simultaneously at the King Zwelithini Stadium, Apollo secured a 2-1 win over Sibanye Golden Stars.

Goals for the Mpumalanga outfit were scored by Nana Acheampong and Maphiti Maimela, while Mafanyane Makitimo replied for Sibanye.

The victory leaves Apollo on seven points, while All Stars have nine points from their four games. Apollo finish their campaign when they play Angavu Stars at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday, where victory will see them promoted to the NFD, while also facing Highlands Park in Sunday’s final.