Maritzburg United ended Royal AM’s nine match unbeaten run in the DStv Premiership as they won their KwaZulu-Natal derby 1-0 on Wednesday night at the Harry Gwala Stadium.
Not only were bragging rights on offer, but the match was key at both ends of the DStv Premiership table, with Maritzburg looking to pull away from the relegation battle, while Royal AM are challenging at the other end for second spot.
Maritzburg United 1-0 Royal AM
It was the home team who had the better of the opening exchanges, and in the sixth minute Tawanda Macheke made a good run into the box, but his final shot failed to trouble Hugo Nyame.
Buoyed on by their home support, an aggressive Team of Choice went in front in the 22nd minute, when Friday Samu’s header from a Keagan Ritchie corner beat Nyame in the Royal AM goal.
Genino Palace went wide in the 37th minute after another good build-up from Maritzburg, while Travis Graham’s ambitious long range effort in the 43rd minute flew over the goal.
Just before half-time Marcel Engelhardt made a good save to deny Mfundo Thikazi, and at the break Maritzburg held onto their 1-0 lead.
Looking to get back into the game, John Maduka brought on their top scorer Victor Letsoalo at half-time. Letsoalo had surprisingly been omitted from the starting line-up.
Royal AM were awarded a dangerous free kick in the 53rd minute, just outside the area, but Ndumiso Mabena’s effort went straight at Engelhardt. A more ambitious attempt from Mabena a minute later was always off target.
Moments later at the other end Macheke and Samu had chances for the home team, but both efforts within a minute of each other lacked power and Nyame saved both.
Letsoalo had an excellent chance in the 58th minute, but somehow Engelhardt was able to stop the well-struck header and deny the equaliser. Two minutes later another Letsoalo header went agonisingly just over.
Macheke ballooned an effort in the 67th minute, while Kabelo Mahlasela shot just over in the 70th minute for Royal AM. A defensive mix-up a minute later almost cost Maritzburg as Engelhardt’s clearance was charged down, but fortunately for the home team, the ball bounced wide of goal.
It was end-to-end action, and Ritchie’s attempt in the 72nd minute went high and wide. Thikazi was off target in the 80th minute with a volley attempt.
Samu almost wrapped up the game in the 82nd minute, but his looping header hit the crossbar.
Royal AM pushed hard in the final minutes but Maritzburg’s defence stood firm, and there were even half chances on the counter for the home team, Amadou Sakhouna having a good chance in stoppage time, but Nyame was able to save.
But in the end a good result for Maritzburg who move up to 27 points, while a missed opportunity for Royal AM.
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