Maritzburg thrash SuperSport to keep hopes alive

Maritzburg United thrashed SuperSport United 3-1 in an Absa Premiership match at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Despite the win, the Team of Choice remained 16th on the standings - two points behind 12th-placed Baroka, while Matsatsantsa slipped down to sixth place.

The Team of Choice got off to the perfect start as they broke the deadlock through Mohau Mokate three minutes into the game.

Fortune Makaringe played a cross for the diminutive striker, who headed home to make it 1-0 to Maritzburg.

It should have been 2-0 to Maritzburg in the seventh minute, but SuperSport goalkeeper Ronwen Williams pulled off a magnificent save.

Siphesihle Ndlovu's effort which was destined for the top corner was kept out by the South Africa international.

The hosts, who were under pressure, continued to pile pressure on Matsatsantsa and the last chance of the first-half fell for Yannick Zakri.

The Ivorian attacker's effort was saved by Williams, who was the busier of the two keepers in the first-half.

The score was 1-0 to Maritzburg following a first-half which was dominated by the hosts.

It took only two minutes for the visitors to level matters with their first shot on target and it was Aubrey Modiba, who scored.

The left-footed attacker scored with a powerful shot which beat Maritzburg keeper Richard Ofori hands down to make it 1-1.

Eric Tinkler, the Maritzburg coach, then pulled out Mokate and he introduced Judas Moseamedi as the hosts looked to restore their lead.

Moseamedi made an immediate impact as he scored from Makaringe's cross to make it 2-1 to Maritzburg with 17 minutes left.

The lanky forward was proving to be an inspired substitute as he sealed Maritzburg's 3-1 win over SuperSport in stoppage time with a good finish.

Maritzburg (1) 3 (Mokate 3', Moseamedi 73', 90'+2)

SuperSport (0) 1 (Modiba 47')

TEAMS:

Maritzburg United: Ofori, Xulu, Allie, Ndlovu, Onyango (De Reuck 53'), Makaringe, Timm, Zakri, Mokate (Moseamedi 67'), Kateregga (Kunene 71'), Shandu.

SuperSport United: Williams, Nhlapo, Kekana, Daniels, Bhasera, Ntshangase, Mokoena (Webber 78'), Modiba, Rusike, Machupu, Grobler (Lungu 76').