Crusaders grinded out a hard-earned 2–1 victory over EVO FC at the Randburg Sports Complex, with a second-half penalty proving to be the difference on a demanding day that saw the side play two matches.

Crusaders made the brighter start, drawing first blood through a lovely team move that was finished off by their winger.

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The goal gave them confidence, having them keep their foot on the gas, causing plenty of problems for the EVO FC backline in the process.

EVO, to their credit, refused to roll over, and pulled level against the run of play to make things interesting. What followed was an absorbing, end-to-end contest as both teams pushed and probed in search of the winning goal.

The breakthrough eventually came for Crusaders when an EVO defender handled the ball inside the box. Lwazi Khuboni stepped up from the spot and smashed the penalty past the goalkeeper to give his side the 2–1 lead that they would not relinquish.

After the final whistle, Crusaders head coach Lefa Makuyane was honest about the challenges his team had faced, acknowledging that playing two games in one day was far from straightforward.

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“The performance was great, even though there were cracks because some of our regular players were not here due to injuries and commitments. I made changes and the game became more stable.”

Keeping a tired group of players focused for a second game in the heat was no small task, but Makuyane said he turned to the bigger picture to lift his squad.

“I reminded them what we are chasing, which is the league. We are on top of the log and we don’t want to set any foot wrong because there are two teams chasing us. I think that is what motivated them to up their game.”

With the three points safely secured, Crusaders remain firmly in the driving seat in their league campaign.

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