DURBAN – Maritzburg United came from one goal down to break their winless streak at Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg as their advanced in to the quarterfinals of the Telkom Knockout after beating Highlands Park 2-1 this evening.
Mohau Mokate was the hero for the Team of Choice. He netted the winner at the death with a well taken strike.
United went in to the interval trailing by 1-0 but showed character and gut to come from behind and snatch the winner in the dying minutes of the match.
United were winless at home this season. They succumbed to Lamontville Golden Arrows in the opening fixtures of the league and shared the spoils with Kaizer Chiefs, Bidvest Wits and Cape Town City.
The Team of Choice were also dumped out of the MTN8 by Cape Town City at home in the quarterfinal.
The Team of Choice dominated the 20 minutes with Siphesihle Ndlovu and Fortune Makaringe controlling the proceedings in the middle of the park.
Mxolisi Kunene fluffed a great opportunity to put his side in the lead earlier on as the put decision making let him down.
Kunene was spotted by Ndlovu and should have laid the ball to Mokate to tap in but went for glory and Tapuwa Kapini made a comfortable save.
United woes in front of goals continued as Mokate directed his shot wide after he was put through by Makaringe.
Mpandle made two double saves to deny Peter Shalulile midway through the first half.
BALLER 🔵⚪️
👏👏👏👏👏
Siphesihle Ndlovu bags the Man of the Match Award. #WeAreUnited pic.twitter.com/s4nfjec6CK
— Maritzburg United FC (@MaritzburgUtd) October 20, 2018
Highlands finally found their momentum. Moeketsi Sekola broke the deadlock for the Lions of North just four minutes before the interval.
Lindokuhle Mbatha nearly made it 2-0 but Mpandle produced a fantastic save to keep his side's hope of conjuring up a comeback.
Ndlovu netted the equaliser with 15 minutes to go after mesmerising and tormenting the Lion of North defence.
Mokate completed the come back with a fine finish as he showed composure in the box after Makaringe spotted him with a killer pass.
Results:
Maritzburg United (0) 2
Siphesihle Ndlovu, Mohau Mokate
Highlands Park (1) 1
Moeketsi Sekola