KNYSNA NEWS - Safa Eden HollywoodBets Regional League reigning champions, La liga FC from Knysna, narrowly missed out on promotion to the Western Cape ABC Motsepe Provincial League after finishing short on points in their group during the Safa Western Cape play-offs.
In a tightly contested match on Saturday 19 July at Rustedene Stadium in Beaufort West, La liga FC played to a 1-1 draw against Cape Town region side Diadora FC.
First-half pressure
Diadora started the game strongly, dominating the flanks with Marcelino Stuurman and Marc Jonas posing constant threats. The breakthrough came from Emeraan Rayners, who slotted home the opening goal after beating La liga goalkeeper Wongalethu Siziba, giving Diadora a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Second-half fightback
La liga came out more attacking in the second half, pushing for an equaliser. Their persistence paid off when Wanda Mningiswa capitalised on a defensive error to level the score at 1-1 from a set piece. Despite both teams creating chances in the final minutes, neither could find the winning goal.
Lukhanyo Mjamba (right) of La liga on the attack.Stuurman was a standout for Diadora, consistently creating danger from the right wing, while La liga's defence held firm against a late barrage, with strong performances from their backline and goalkeeper.
The result was not enough for La liga FC to advance in the playoffs, ending their hopes of competing in the ABC Motsepe Provincial League this season.
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