Arrows had been looking set to extend their unbeaten run against Maritzburg to 10 matches, but the hosts had other ideas as Daylon Claasen equalised in the 88th minute before a 94th minute winner gave United maximum points – which based on the balance of play was arguably a fair result.
On a rainy evening, the stands were packed to capacity and the supporters were kept on the edge of their seats from kick off as a highly competitive derby unfolded.
There was little time for either team to get on the ball early on, although it was the Team of Choice who made a good start as they created a couple of chances.
There was an opportunity for Yusuf Jappie as early as the third minute, but he was unable to make contact with his attempted volley.
Midway through the half, Maritzburg had the Arrows defence scrambling after Judas Moseamedi nodded the ball across goal, with Kwanda Mngonyama nearly able to get in on goal.
Another chance followed soon after as Keegan Buchanan’s snap shot from 25-uyards out deflected off a defender before being blocked by Arrows keeper Nkosingiphile Gumede, before Moseamedi fired wide from a tight angle on the follow up.
At the other end, home keeper Richard Ofori had not been tested, yet it was Arrows who were to take the lead six minutes before the interval when after a swift counter attack, Danny Venter ran through on goal.
His first attempt was kept out by Ofori, but the ball fell kindly for him as he was able to net from the rebound.
The Team of Choice, with Bandile Shandu introduced and a few tactical changes made, showed good intensity after the restart.
And the hosts though they had their reward when Moseamedi brought down a long ball before turning and firing past Gumede, only for goal to be ruled off-sides.
Maritzburg continued to play on the front foot, putting a series of crosses in, but their efforts remained in vein as the ball just wouldn’t fall for them in and around the Arrows box.
With 10 minutes to go, Ofori ensured his side stayed in the game when he did superbly to keep out Knox Mutizwa from point-blank range, before Thabani Zuke went close with a blistering drive from the resultant corner.
Substitutes Thabiso Kutumela and Bongokuhle Hlongwane made a big impact for the PMB team and when Kutumela latched onto Mngonyama ’s 88th minute cross, his shot was deflected into the path of Claasen, who struck from eight-yards out with the equaliser.
Moments later, Ofori again made a vital intervention on Mutizwa to stop the visitors from regaining the lead.
And instead it was the Team of Choice who were to grab the winner when Kutumela’s teasing cross was flicked into his own net by Abafana bes’Thende defender Nkosinathi Sibisi.
TEAMS
Maritzburg: Ofori, Morgan, Jappie, De Reuck, Allie, Mngonyama, Timm, Buchanan, Claasen, Lea'alafa, Moseamedi
Subs: Mpandle, Sanoka, Hlongwane, Nyoni, Shandu, Brockie, Kutumela
Arrows: Gumede, Lunga, Sibisi, Dube, Makhubela, Parusnath, Mathiane, Venter, Phiri, Lamola, Mutizwa
Subs: Mlungwana, Gumede, Ndwandwe, Buthelezi, Nkombelo, Sibeko, Zuke
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