TEAM OF CHOICE ENJOY DERBY WIN
15 January 2023
Maritzburg United emerged 3-1 victors in Sunday's entertaining DStv Premiership KwaZulu-Natal derby at a rocking Harry Gwala Stadium.
In front of a big derby crowd, Royal AM started the match brightly and Maritzburg keeper Renaldo Leaner had to be on top of his game to make a few key early saves.
But Maritzburg grew stronger and enjoyed a good opportunity for Karim Kimvuidi, who was unable to convert a back-post cross in the 16th minute.
United got their reward in the 35th minute when a storming run from the back from Rafiq De Goede ended with him finding Kimvuidi. Kimvuidi's brilliant no-look pass put Amadou Soukouna on goal and the Frenchman obliged with a neat close-range finish.
Four minutes later Soukouna was though on goal again but as he tried to pick out Rowen Human in front of the net, the pass was slightly overhit.
Kimvuidi then nearly turned provider again but after rounding goalkeeper Hugo Nyame, his square ball
across the box failed to find a teammate.
A minute before the interval and was Kimvuidi was on the run again, powering right through the visitors' defence before striking the post with a low shot, the ball falling well for the alert Soukouna to sweep home; 2-0.
Man-of-the-Match Kimvuidi had yet another chance three minutes after the restart, a fantastic solo run however ending with a fairly tame shot.
Royals then enjoyed a good period of play as they tried to get back into the game, with Leaner standing firm as the visiting side swung in long balls.
Having done well to defend their goal, the Team of Choice wrapped up the win when Friday Samu stole the ball off a defender and went around the keeper before scoring from a tight angle in the 89th minute.
The away team grabbed an added time consolation goal when Mfundo Thikazi netted in the 98th minute.
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