Johannesburg – Maritzburg United coach Steve Komphela breathed a sigh of relief, while his Platinum Stars counterpart Allan Freese was clearly frustrated after the visitors scored in the closing stages to bag a 2-1 win in Phokeng on Sunday.
While Maritzburg climbed into the top half of the Premiership table, Stars were left struggling in 13th place with eight games left in the campaign.
“It wasn't easy. They (Stars) also need to be given credit,” Komphela said.
“All in all it was not a walk in the park. We had to grind for this result.”
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.
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.
Mohau Mokate cancelled out the goal just three minutes later, however, tapping the ball in from close range.
“Unfortunately we went to sleep and they equalised,” Komphela said.
“I thought we could have done better, but the game of football is about concentration, and as soon as they got their goal they moved into acceptance mode, satisfied to take a point after going so long in the heat.
“We're happy but we'll try work even harder.”
Freese was furious with his defence for allowing the home side through after fighting back to equalise.
“Where's the professionalism?” Freese said.
“If you don't defend you will concede, and that's what happened.” – Sapa