Johannesburg –Mohau Mokate struck late in the second half as Maritzburg United climbed into the top half of the Premiership table with a 2-1 win over Platinum Stars in Phokeng on Sunday.
The visitors dominated the entire match, surging forward on attack, and while the hosts fought back at the death, Maritzburg held their composure to bag all three points.
Taking complete control in the opening period, Ryan de Jongh had the first real chance for United in the 11th minute but his attempt was tipped over the crossbar by Stars goalkeeper Kabelo Dambe.
Two minutes later, Kurt Lentjies directed a header straight at the shot stopper as Maritzburg continued to place their opponents under tremendous pressure.
Shortly before the half-hour mark, Deolin Lekoa put the visiting side in front, finishing off some impressive team work by turning in the box and hitting the back of the net.
Mondli Cele nearly extended the lead for Maritzburg before the break but he fired well wide to the right.
Making full use of a rare chance for the hosts, Ndumiso Mabena
sliced in a cross with a few minutes left in regulation time to bury the equaliser.
Mokate cancelled out the goal just three minutes later, however, tapping the ball in from close range.
The visitors nearly snatched a point in the dying stages, but two impressive attempts by Eleazar Rodgers were denied by Maritzburg keeper Virgil Vries in second-half injury time.
“It was vital for us to score first, and once we did that you could see the confidence grow within the team,” said Lentjies, the Man of the Match.
“This is an important victory for us.” – Sapa