Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster got off the mark in Major League Soccer, while Neo Maema scored a key goal for Steve Barker’s Simba SC in their memorable win over Manqoba Mngqithi’s Young Africans in the Kariakoo Derby.
Foster and Maema were the outstanding Mzansi footballers abroad over the weekend.
Foster opened his MLS account on Saturday as Houston Dynamo FC drew 2-2 away to Minnesota United at Allianz Field. It was his first start since his loan move from English side Burnley FC, and the goal will go a long way to boosting his confidence in the American league. Foster opened the scoring in the 18th minute before Minnesota ensured a share of the spoils.
Another South African, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, started for Minnesota, only his sixth start of the season. He played 63 minutes before being taken off.
On a refreshing note, Mbekezeli Mbokazi continued his return from injury with a full 90 minutes as Chicago Fire beat New York City FC 2-1 at Soldier Field on Saturday to move second in the Eastern Conference.
Mbokazi was playing his second game back after a thigh injury that had threatened to rule him out for the rest of the year. Former TS Galaxy star Puso Dithejane was introduced for the final 20 minutes.
NEO MAEMA ON TARGET IN TANZANIA’S KARIAKOO DERBY
Furthermore, in Tanzania, Steve Barker’s Simba SC beat arch-rivals Young Africans 2-1 in Saturday’s Kariakoo Derby to go three points clear at the top with seven wins from seven.
Former Mamelodi Sundowns marksman Peter Shalulile put Manqoba Mngqithi’s Yanga ahead after five minutes, but Simba hit back through Neo Maema and Elie Mpanzu to claim their first derby win in three years. Keletso Makgalwa provided an assist for their second goal.
In the Belgian Pro League, Shandre Campbell endured a night to forget as he was sent off four minutes into the second half for a second bookable offence, with 10-man KV Kortrijk falling 3-0 to Genk at the Cegeka Arena.
In the same league, there was also frustration for Relebohile Mofokeng, who played 56 minutes as Union Saint-Gilloise were held 1-1 at home by OH Leuven at Stade Joseph Marien. The result saw Union drop to fourth position in the Belgian League. Mofokeng will now hope to impress when his side host La Liga outfit Real Sociedad in the Europa League on Thursday.
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