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TEAM OF CHOICE CLAIM MAXIMUM POINTS OFF THE STUDENTS
12 February 2020
Maritzburg United showed great focus to keep out Bidvest Wits and secure a 1-0 Absa Premiership win on Wednesday in Johannesburg.
The only goal of a tight match at the Bidvest Stadium was scored by Thabiso Kutumela in the 44th minute.
Team of Choice were in control for much of the first half, enjoying good possession and also doing well defensively to limit the Students’ scoring opportunities.
Going forward, Maritzburg also managed to create a couple of openings, including a fourth minute effort from Jeremy Brockie which was blocked, with the New Zealand striker also having a header saved in the 11th minute.
Brockie was also close to getting a header on a tantalising cross from Mxolisi Kunene on the half hour mark, after a lovely bit of skill and a storming run down the left by the wide player.
The breakthrough came for United a couple of minutes before the interval when Tebogo Tlolane’s brilliant through ball released Kutumela on goal, the striker showing nice composure as he slotted a low shot into the bottom left hand corner.
Wits nearly hit back immediately when a long ball reached Terrance Dzvukamanja, but Maritzburg keeper Richard Ofori did well to get down quickly to make a sharp save.
The second half was generally cagey and tense as the Clever Boys tried to probe for a way back into the match while the Maritzburg defence again were outstanding as they maintained their focus and composure at the back.
There were a couple of half chances for the Team of Choice on the break, with Kunene firing over the bar after a quick counter attack on 62 minutes before Tlolane had a shot blocked in the 77th minute and then Daylon Claasen was denied by Buhle Mkhwanazi just before he was about to pull the trigger.
The hosts continued to apply the pressure as the match went into the final 10 minutes. But once more, some resolute defending from United limited the opportunities for the Johannesburg team - as Maritzburg recorded a first league win over Wits in over five years.
The KZN Capital City side will now turn their attention to Saturday evening’s league clash with Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium (6pm).
TEAMS
Wits: Goss, Hlanti, Nange, Gordinho, Mkhwanazi, Alexander, Doutie, Macheke, Sekgota, Eva Nga, Dzvukamanja
Subs: Petersen, Nonyane, Domingo, Hotto, Motupa, Monare, Khunyedi
Maritzburg: Ofori, Kunene, Sanoka, De Reuck, Allie, Ntshangase, Buchanan, Claasen, Tlolane, Kutumela, Brockie
Subs: Mpandle, Augusto, Timm, Shandu, Mngomyama, Jappie, Xulu
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