Basel FC will not take part in the next stage of the prestigious Nedbank Cup KO competition. They were booted out of the competition by Phungo All Stars 1-0 at the Makwarela Stadium on Sunday.

Basel played entertaining football, despite the fact it was the first time for the players to play an official match together.

They disorganised the opponents by their short passes. When pressure started to mount against them, Basel started to demonstrate their rough skills.

The referee, Mr Martin Sivhada, calmed the situation by reprimanding two of their players, Takalani Netshitungulu and Lavhelesani Singo, with yellow cards in the 14th and 18th minute respectively.
The coach of Phungo All Stars, Mr Moses Muthelo, was forced to effect an early change to his starting line-up. Kamogelo Mogaswa sustained a knee injury and was replaced with Mthokhozisi Masuku. The Stars’ former Rospa United dribbling wizard, Marks Munyai, was booked for a late tackle on Vhuthuhawe Munyai in the 27th minute.

Khumbudzo Muvhango of Stars was also taken off the pitch on a stretcher after sustaining an injury. His was replaced by Stemmer Aphane.

No goal was seen during the first half. The Stars took the game to Basel in the opening minutes of the last stanza. Aphane scored the all-important goal in the 67th minute. He connected a great pass from Hulisani Mathugana and beat the Basel keeper, Mashudu Nemakhavhani, with a volley.

Basel replaced Isaac Chauke and Godfrey Mohlala with Nhlamulo Mathebula and Aluwani Nemakhavhani respectively in a bid to strengthen their midfield. That did not change the complexion of the game.