MARITZBURG UNITED SECURE CRUCIAL PLAY-OFF WIN
10 June 2023
Maritzburg United put up a solid performance to earn a 2-0 win over Casric Stars in a playoff encounter at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
United started on the front foot and were close to taking the lead in the 12th minute when Karim Kimvuidi picked the ball up on the edge of the box and fired in a half-volley which took a very sharp save from Ludwe Mpakumpaku to keep out the net.
At the other end, Maritzburg keeper Renaldo Leaner recovered just in time to deny Lehlohonolo Mojela after the Stars striker had blocked the goalkeeper’s clearance.
A few minutes later Mojela again threatened; this time Leaner obliged with a brilliant reflex save.
Having weathered the hosts’ threat, the Team of Choice took the lead in the 27th minute as Brandon Theron’s 50-yard pass was taken down by Amadou Soukouna, who then played in Rowan Human. Human did superbly to skip a challenge before clinically curling the ball into the far corner of the net for his third goal of the Playoffs.
Soon after, Maritzburg survived a shaky moment when Kgomotso Mosadi’s free kick from a tight angle skimmed off the crossbar.
The home side were able to start the second half strongly, but gradually the Team of Choice got a grip on proceedings.
And the victory was all but sealed in the 70th minute when Rafiq de Goede guided home a volley, after Kwame Peprah’s flicked header had located the defender inside the Stars box.
Maritzburg will now prepare for their final Playoff match – against Cape Town Spurs at the Harry Gwala Stadium this coming Wednesday, 14 June. Kick off is at 19H30.
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