17 December 2008

Sundowns 3-0 Maritzburg United

Maritzburg United gave Sundowns a run for their money until three second half goals dashed their hopes of getting something out of the game played in Pretoria on Wednesday night.

In fact, United were very much in the match for three quarters of the game and the outcome could have been very different is they had been able to sink some good chances they created.

Midfielder Sipho Mngomezulu was unlucky not to open to score in the 11th minute, while the Team of Choice got three corners in the first 15 minutes illustrating their early dominance of the match.

For Sundowns, Dillon Sheppard whipped in a good corner from the right side to the far post and the ball was headed in by defender Derrick Spencer. But keeper Hunter Gilstrap was alert, making a fine save with his foot.

Lunch Pule looked set to put United in front after a good run by Tony Tsabedze, but shot the wide of goal.

Tsabedze got a perfect opportunity from close range in the 60th minute. However Downs keeper Calvin Marlin made an excellent save.

The Brazilians got their goal in the 69th minute thanks to Surprise Moriri, who finished well after receiving a through ball by Lerato Chabangu. The goal was scored whilel captain Bageta Dikilu was off the field receiving treatment for an injury.

Maritzburg went 2-0 down six minutes later thanks to a good finish by Sundowns' striker Collins Mbesuma, who added another in the 89th

Teams:

Mamelodi Sundowns (4-4-2): Marlin; Mere, Manzini, Spencer, Mpangase; Moriri, Gaxa, Vilikazi (Mngomeni 59'); Chabangu (Twala 70'), Mbesuma, Sheppard

Maritzburg United (4-4-2): Gilstrap; Petersen, Dikulu, Sylla, Mashishi; Mngomezulu, Pule (Bucuane 81'), Arwuah, Tsabedza (Ndlovu 76'); Aka, Davids (Kukame 65')

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