De Sa’s Maritzburg undone by Arrows

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Roger de Sa Coach of Maritzburg United seems confused at some of the referee calls during the Absa Premiership 2016/17 game between Maritzburg United and Free State Stars at Harry Gwala Stadium, Pietermaritzburg on 26 February 2017 © Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix
  • Post published:March 4, 2017

Maritzburg United succumbed to a 1-0 loss against Golden Arrows in the Absa Premiership on Saturday evening at Princess Magogo Stadium.

Following the defeat, the Team of Choice now occupy the number eight spot with 23 points from 20 matches in their campaign so far.

It was a first half header, courtesy of Knox Mutizwa, which handed Abafana Bes’thende the win.

The KwaZulu-Natal derby had a cagey start as both sides battled for ball possession in the heart of the park in search of bragging rights.

However, it was the Team of Choice who threatened first through Evans Rusike, whose goal-bound shot was deflected away for a corner in the third minute.

In the 20th minute Kudakwashe Mahachi tried to beat United goalkeeper Virgil Vries, but the Zimbabwean saw his effort going over the crossbar.

Abafana Bes’thende broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute when Mutizwa converted a free header in the penalty area following a set piece on the left flank.

It was 1-0 at half time with the hosts enjoying an advantage.

Good movement in the second half by the hosts saw Lerato Lamola receiving a great pass from the right wing unmarked in the box, yet he failed to hit the back of the net in the 56th minute.

Despite dominating the ball possession, De Sa’s men failed to convert it into goals.

United kept Clinton Larsen’s men under pressure in the last three minutes, with Siphesihle Ndlovu unleashing a rocket which was spilled by keeper Nkosingiphile Gumede, only for him to be rescued by defender Limbikani Mzava.

Arrows remain in the top eight at number six on the log table with 27 points from 20 league matches.

Credit: PSL website