Cape Town City were denied the top spot in the Absa Premiership standings, following their 1-0 defeat against Maritzburg United at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Monday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

Eric Tinkler made one change after his side’s 3-2 win over Kaizer Chiefs at the Cape Town Stadium last week, bringing in Ebrahim Seedat for Edmilson Dove at left-back.

Meanwhile, interim coach Fadlu Davids made one adjustment to his side following a 3-2 victory against Chippa United last time out, replacing Bandile Shandu with Pogiso Sanoka.

The Team of Choice saw more ball possession early on, while City struggled to gain their rhythm in the match, as they gave away possession on a number of occasions.

Mondli Dlamini came close to opening the scoring for Maritzbrg when he beat his marker, before guiding his effort just over the crossbar from a tight angle.

However, neither side could find the opening goal as the match went into the half-time interval locked at 0-0.

Ten minutes into the second half, the United coach opted to replace Mohua Mokate with Andrea Fileccia to add to their attack.

The visiting side nearly broke the deadlock in the 76th minute when Aubrey Ngoma fired a shot at goal from close range. However, he was denied by Kwanda Mngonyama.

Maritzburg eventually opened the scoring in the 81st minute when Kurt Lentjies sent his curling free kick into the back of the net from 25 yards out to make it 1-0.

City pressed forward in search of an equaliser in the closing stages of the match, but failed to break down the Maritzburg defence, as the Team of Choice managed to hold on to their one-goal lead until the final whistle to claim all three points.

Image: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix