Orlando Pirates 1-2 Maritzburg United
2 December 2014
Maritzburg United bounced back to winning ways in style when they upset Orlando Pirates 2-1 in Johannesburg on Tuesday night.
Maritzburg struck early, with Mohammed Anas opening the scoring after two minutes on the clock. Thokozani Sekotlong turned his man before picking out the Ghanaian attacker who beat Brighton Mhlongo from close range.
The Buccaneers went in search of an immediate replay and finally got one through Kermit Erasmus following a sustained spell of pressure in the 33rd minute.
Thabo Matlaba then made a complete hash of a long ball to let in Mondli Cele, who in turn picked out Anas who had the easiest of finishes to complete his double.
Thokozani Sekotlong should’ve extended the Team of Choice’s lead seven minutes into the second-half. Having beaten Mhlongo to the ball, the former University of Pretoria striker would have expected to find the back of the net, but could only manage to direct Mkhize’s corner-kick over the crossbar.
Pirates were finding it difficult to break down a resilient Maritzburg defence, while the visitors looked increasingly dangerous on the counter, with Cele forcing Mhlongo into a superb save in the 70th minute to keep the Sea Robbers in the game.
The Buccaneers pushed forward in search of the equaliser, but ultimately came up short as Komphela’s men held on for a memorable win.
Orlando Pirates: Mhlongo, Jele, Gcaba, Sangweni, Matlaba, Sarr, Makola, Manyisa, Masuku (Rakhale 63’), Myeni, Erasmus (Majoro 71’)
Maritzburg United: Vries, Mabaso, Banda, Pantsil, Hartog, Sekotlong, Cele, Vilakazi (Mngonyama 76’), Awal, Anas (Mandaza 61’), Mkhize (Lentjies 81’)
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