Cape Town City made it three successive wins in the DStv Premiership on Saturday night, rallying from behind to defeat Maritzburg United 2-1 at the Harry Gwala Stadium.
The Citizens made three changes to the side that edged past Sekhukhune United, as Lyle Lakay, Thato Mokeke and Khanyisa Mayo were recalled, while Maritzburg handed starts to Alfred Ndengane, Jose Ali Meza, Amadou Soukouna and Lungelo Bhengu.
City looked the more threatening side in the early stages and Taahir Goedeman came very close to breaking the deadlock on 22 minutes with a header in the box that came off the crossbar.
The Team of Choice also had their moments in an open game as Soukouna had a chance ten minutes later after a good turn in the box but he fired his low shot straight at goalkeeper Darren Keet as the first stanza ended goalless.
DStv Premiership results today
– Richards Bay FC 0-1 Kaizer Chiefs
– Royal AM 2-0 Sekhukhune Unite
– Maritzburg United 1-2 Cape Town CityDStvPrem pic.twitter.com/eUyrW4P2ZP— Sinethemba Sithole – Journo (@Sinethembah_) March 4, 2023
The second stanza produced fireworks from the off, Bertrand Mani came close to breaking the deadlock four minutes in with a curling shot that was parried into the far post by shot-stopper Renaldo Leaner. With end to end attacks entertaining a huge crowd, Bradley Cross eventually sent the home fans into a frenzy four minutes later with a side-footed shot into the bottom corner after a cut-back by Karim Kimvuidi.
City peppered Leander with shots at goal and Mduduzi Mdantsane finally equalised on 64 minutes with a sweeping finish at the back post after a low cross by Taariq Fielies. Khanyisa Mayo then gave the Citizens the lead four minutes later with a powerful shot unmarked in the box that Leaner had a hand to but the power was too much, as the ball spun into the back of the net.
Eric Tinkler’s charges remained on the front foot, but Maritzburg had the momentum in the dying minutes. However, City’s low block prevailed as they clinched their third consecutive win and climbed up to fifth on the log.
