Maritzburg held at home by Tuks

Maritzburg United failed to claim their second home win in the Absa Premiership when they played to a 0-0 draw against the University of Pretoria at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday night.

The Team of Choice created the better chances on the night but found AmaTuks goalkeeper Washington Arubi in great form as he was able to deal with everything that was thrown at him.

The hosts got the first shot on target in the 7th minute but Arubi made a comfortable save, before holding on to another effort from Terrance Mandaza a minute later.

Then in the 17th minute the visitors were awarded a freekick when Lucky Mathosi was brought down by Mario Booysen, but Siyabonga Ngubane sent his effort over the crossbar.

Zimbabwean midfielder Obadiah Tarumbwa came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 31st minute but he was denied by the woodwork as his shot came off the underside of the crossbar.

Seven minutes later Dillon Sheppard delivered a cross from the left to find Mandaza inside the box, who failed to trouble the goalkeeper as his header flew over the target.

The Team of Choice were awarded a freekick in a good area in the 40thminute; Sheppard managed to get his shot on target but Arubi was positioned well to make the save.

Ernst Middendorp’s side came back from the break with more determination and two minutes into the second half Arubi used his legs to block a well-struck effort from Mandaza.

The AmaTuks goalkeeper was called into action again in the 53rd minute, this timing reacting quickly to parry a stinging effort from Yakubu, before saving Orlando Smeekes’ shot in the 64th minute.

Tarumbwa tried to make things happen for the visitors upfront but he was unable to get his bearings right as he flashed his shot wide in the 69th minute.

Two minutes later it was the Team of Choice who threatened to open the scoring when Ruben Cloete fired an effort on goal, but Arubi was able to make the block.

Both sides tried to push for the winner in the closing stages but Yakubu shot wide of the target in the 90th minute, while Dipsy Selolwane drew a fine save from Shu-aib Walters as both sides claimed a share of the spoils.

Maritzburg United 0

University of Pretoria 0

Teams:

Maritzburg United: Walters, Cloete, Awal, Booysen M, Petersen, De Jongh, Morton, Isaacks (Buckley 46’) (Smeekes 62’), Sheppard (Sekotlong 80’), Mandaza and Yakubu

University of Pretoria: Arubi, Ngubane, Mkhwanazi, Moussono-Moussono, Shoyisa, Maruping (Mosadi 56’), Matsi, Phalane, Tarumbwa (Lemessa 81’), Mathosi (Selolwane 76’), Kekana