Although they were the first to score, Magezi FC finally lost 1-3 to Basel FC in their Vodacom Promotional League match at the FNB Makwarela Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The referee, Mr Christopher Mugeri, reprimanded Moses Karabo of Magezi with a card in the 14th minute. Karabo tackled Shonisani Rambebu from behind and Mugeri wasted no time in producing yellow.

The visitors from Polokwane were leading at the end of the first half. Their only goal came in the 27th minute, when Moses Karabo unleashed from the 30-meter area and the keeper of Basel watched in agony as the ball rolled beyond his reach.

Things turned against the visitors shortly after the home side replaced Khumbudzo Muvhango with Livhuwani Netshiendeulu in the 56th minute. Netshiendeulu formed a deadly combination with Louis Chauke at the front and thereby kept the defence of Magezi running for cover. Their efforts were not in vain as they scored the equaliser in the 60th minute. Rembuluwani Mbedzi beat the offside trap and scored with a ground cutter from the far right corner.

Realising that their scoring chances were fast becoming slim, Magezi abandoned their original pattern and packed themselves at the far back, thus demonstrating that they were happy with a draw. Before long, Louis Chauke scored Basel's second goal. Basel later replaced Shonisani Rambebu with Vuledzani Davhana in a bid to strengthen their midfield.

Magezi lost hope when Basel scored their third goal in the 84th minute via Livhuwani Netshiendeulu. The victory was a relief to Basel after they had lost 1-2 to Baroka FC at the Nkowankowa Stadium in Tzaneen last Wednesday afternoon.