Thuso Phala scored shortly before halftime as SuperSport United edged Maritzburg United on Wednesday.

The visitors made all the earning running with Dean Furman and Aubrey Modiba looking to unlock the Team of Choice’s defence in the opening stages.

In the 13th minute, Modiba was denied a sensational goal as his bicycle kick narrowly missed the target. Two minutes later, Maritzburg went close as Evans Rusike missed the target as the match opened up with Jeremy Brockie having the game’s next chance but he fired straight at Vries in the Maritzburg goal.

Rusike missed a good chance to open the scoring in the 26th minute but failed to hold his nerve. Kurt Lentjies was denied by a wonderful save from Ronwen Wiliams as both sides pressed hard for the advantage.

That advantage came in the 42nd minute as Phala converted after some fine play in the buildup by Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Modiba. The former Cape Town City man unselfishly playing Phala in for the goal.

Matsatsantsa dominated the second half with Brockie and Kingston Nkhatha both looking dangerous as the visitors pressed for a second goal that would take them to safety.

Maritzburg failed to create enough pressure to force and equaliser as Stuart Baxter’s side left the Harry Gwala Stadium with the three points.