MARITZBURG UNITED SHOW CHARACTER TO SALVAGE SEKHUKHUNE DRAW
6 August,, 2022
A goal in the dying minutes of the match at the Harry Gwala Stadium Stadium on Saturday night earned Maritzburg United a 1-1 draw with Sekhukhune United in the first game of our new DStv Premiership campaign.
Played in front of a rocking home audience,the Blue Army, coach John Maduka saw his men showing bravery and determination to bounce back from being 1-0 down early on.
The hosts had been close to taking the lead in the sixth minute when Sekhukhune defender Edwin Gyimah nearly headed Brandon Theron's dangerous cross into his own net.
Maritzburg United goalkeeper King Ndlovu had made a good early save, but he was found picking up the ball out of his own net after he had been beaten to a long ball on the edge of his own box by Tshegofatso Mabasa, as Sekhukhune capitalised on a swift counter-attack in the 15th minute to go in front.
The Team of Choice grew stronger near the interval and some good combination play in the 42nd minute saw Taanda Macheke just unable to find Soukouna with the final ball.
The KZN Capital City side side kept at it after the break and created a chance in the 62nd minute through some nice interplay between Siboniso Conco and Theron, but the former was unable to get in a clean striker at the end of it.
Maritzburg grew in confidence and were awarded an 83rd minute penalty when the lively Theron went down under a high challenge from Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya.
While Bongikosi Makume's spot kick was saved by Toaster Ntsaba, Bongani Sam was on hand for the Pietermaritzburg side to smash home a superb effort after Soukouna had pulled the ball back.
STARTING XI: Ndlovu, Theron, Makume, Sam, Ndengane, Ritchie, Mashikinya, Human, Soukouna, Samu, Macheke
Subs: Leaner, Monamodi, Moloisane, Conco, Baloyi, Palace, Skelem, Kimvuidi, Hlongwa,
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