Cape Town City walked away with all three points at the Garry Gwala Stadium this weekend and claimed a crucial comeback 2-1 victory against Maritzburg United on Saturday night.
Maritzburg United enjoyed much of the ball during the early exchanges of the game as City pressed the home side high up the pitch. However, it was the Mother City outfit who produced the first shot at goals they made their intentions known.
City grew in confidence after the 10 minute mark and attempted to infiltrate the Maritzburg defence through the middle of the pitch. The Team of Choice sat tight and did well to keep the visitors at bay by defending in their numbers.
The Citizens came close to opening the scoresheet after the 20 minute after Bertrand Mani’s leaping headed effort glanced the upright.
Eric Tinkler’s side had Maritzburg United under the cosh after the half-hour mark and were awarded a series of corners as a result. However, the Citizens struggled to make the most of their set-play opportunities.
With neither side able to get on the scoresheet, Maritzburg and City headed into the break deadlocked at 0-0.
The Team of Choice opened the scoring in the 53rd minute as Bradley Cross latched onto a well-worked passing move inside the City penalty area. After taking the lead, Maritzburg had wind in their sails and pressed on in search of a second goal.
Cape Town City attempted to get into the game with direct play and managed to level matters soon after the hour mark. With Tariq Fielies latching onto the ball inside the Maritzburg box, the defender directed a shot at goal which guided into the back of the net by Mduduzi Mdantsane in the 64th minute.
The Cape Town side took the lead four minutes later as Khanyisa Mayo found the back of the net with a left-footed shot from the centre of the Maritzburg box. With around 10 minutes to go, City gained control of the tie as Maritzburg struggled to get into the game.
It was not to be for the hosts as City’s flurry of goals after the hour mark was enough to secure maximum points in Pietermaritzburg.
Maritzburg United: (0) 1(Cross 53’)
Cape Town City: (0) 2 (Mdantsane 64’, Mayo 68’)
Maritzburg United:Leaner (Ndlovu 73’), Cross, Ndengane, Moloisane, Bhengu (Samu 74’), Human (Graham 51’), Palace, Karim, Mezi, Jooste, Soukouna
Cape Town City:Keet, Mokeke, Fielies, Cupido (Fisher 71’), Lakay, Ambina, Nodada, Goedeman (Mdantsane 61’), Gonzalez (Rhodes 61’), Mani, Mayo
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