Maritzburg United have kept their relegation survival hopes alive after their 1-1 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns in a DStv Premiership clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday night.
The draw gave Maritzburg a survival chance, as it has put them one point ahead of Marumo Gallants and Chippa United.
As things stand, the Team of Choice is languishing in the 14th position with 30 after 30 games.
However, Marumo and Chippa’s last matches of the campaign will determine the KwaZulu-Natal side’s fate. The Blue Army will be hoping Chippa and Marumo don’t win their games on Saturday, 20 May 2023.
Meanwhile, Sundowns were officially crowned the DStv Premiership champions for the sixth successive time, having finished the season with 70 points.
The draw saw Masandawana failing to break their own record of fishing the season with 71 points they set in the 2015/16 season.
This was the first league title for Rulani Mokwena as the sole coach of Sundowns.
The Brazilians started the game brightly pushing forward in numbers, but the visitors were guilty of being very wasteful in front of goals.
Surprise Ralani opened the scoring in the 24th of the showdown for Sundowns.
SUNDOWNS LEADING AT HALF-TIME
The game went into the interval with Sundowns leading Maritzburg by 1-0.
In the second half, the visitors started on the front foot with the hopes of finding an equaliser.
The showdown turned scrappy and congested as the two sides looked to establish control in midfield.
As the half progressed, it was an encouraging period for Maritzburg, who were determined to turn things around.
Fadlu Davids’ boys spent the majority of the second stanza toiling at their opponents’ goals, but couldn’t break through Masandawana’s solid defence.
However, the unfazed Maritzburg finally found the back of the net. This was through the ex-Sundowns man Ali Meza in the 71st minute.
Maritzburg continued to gain momentum and attacking to prevail over Sundowns on their own turf.
The final whistle blew and nothing could separate the two teams.
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