PIETERMARITZBURG – It was a night of missed opportunities at Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday as Maritzburg United played out to a 0-0 stalemate against Cape Town City in an Absa Premiership showdown.
The Team of Choice were searching for that elusive victory at home, while the Citizens were also looking for their maiden win on the road.
Both teams will be hoping be hoping to use the Fifa break to solve their problems.
The Team of Choice have been rock solid at the back, keeping four clean-sheets on the trot.
Ayanda Patosi threatened to spoil that momentum with his trademark strikes early in the match, but Richard Ofori was alert as he parried it out for a corner.
Yannick Zakri went close to open his account for Maritzburg, but Peter Leeuwenburgh was at his best as he produced a fine save to keep his side in the game.
City were always dangerous going forward with their swift passing, quick movement off the ball and sense of agency in the final third.
Siphesihle Ndlovu was the best player for United last season, but he hasn’t been at his best this season. He lost possession on several occasions against City.
Keletso Makgwala made way for Justice Figauredo after the interval, and injected some pace and finesse on the flanks for United.
United gained momentum in the second half, but the poor decision-making and lack of creativity in the opposition’s half let them down.
Surprise Ralani should have put his side in the lead in the second stanza following a good job done by Gift Links.
Ralani shot wide with Ofori to beat between the sticks.
The only positive for United was that they attained their fifth clean-sheet in a row, but they are also yet to find the back of the net at home in four outings.
The future is now 💯 #Respect #HomeGrown🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/bol2qVy09J