Maritzburg United claimed a 3-1 victory over Royal AM in a DStv Premiership clash at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Sunday evening.
Amadou Soukouna’s brace and Friday Samu’s stoppage-time strike inspired the KZN capital city’s side to a second win on the bounce. On the other side, the substitute Mfundo Thikazi scored the consolation for Thwihli Thwahla.
Both sides came to the match having collected maximum points in their previous league outings. The Team of Choice had downed Marumo Gallants, while Royal AM got the better of AmaZulu in the provincial derby.
Fadlu Davids made two changes from their last match’s line-up, with Soukouna and Tumelo Njoti coming on for Friday Samu and Genino Palace. Meanwhile, AM kept the same line-up that grabbed the bragging rights against Usuthu last week.
The contest seemed evenly balanced in the opening minutes, with both sides enjoying some little forward momentum. Abram Nteo’s side started to make some dangerous box entries but failed to use the goal-scoring opportunities.
Maritzburg were forced to make an early change after Bonginkosi Makume picked up a knock and was replaced by Brian Hlongwa. Davids’ troops began to threaten the visitors’ posts as they regained momentum.
MARITZBURG UNITED’S SOUKOUNA BAGS BRACE
In the 34th minute, Soukouna put Maritzburg in front when Karim Kimvuidi set him up with a defence-splitting pass. With AM struggling to respond, United continued to launch attacks, and Soukouna struck again on the stroke of half-time to double the lead for the home side.
In the second stanza, Royal AM got off to a bright start, seeking to bounce back into the game, but they produced minimal chances in front of goal. Maritzburg looked dangerous when regaining possession, looking to hurt the away side on the counter-attack.
Around the 70-minute mark, the visitors held most of the ball but could still not make the breakthrough as United’s defence remained solid.
In the 91st minute, Friday Samu added the third for the hosts before Thikazi pulled one back for Nteo’s men.
Maritzburg went on to keep the maximum points at home and leapt over Gallants to sit in 15th place on the log standings.
SWALLOWS AND TS GALAXY SHARE THE SPOILS
Meanwhile, in the other DStv Premiership match that had taken place earlier, Swallows and TS Galaxy played out to a goalless stalemate at the Dobsonville Stadium. Now, the Dube birds sit 14th on the table while the Mpumalanga outfit occupies 11th place.
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