CAPE TOWN - Maritzburg United eased their relegation fears with a fortuitous 1-0 win over Stellenbosch FC in a DStv Premiership action at the Danie Craven Stadium on Tuesday.
In injury time, referee Abongile Tom awarded Maritzburg a dubious penalty after blowing up a player whose hands was behind his back in a goalmouth frenzy.
Maritzburg striker Thabiso Kutumela made no mistake from the 'spot' to salvage three valuable match points for the visitors.
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There was every prospect of a Top 8 berth for Stellenbosch in the event of a victory. Instead, they will remain in 12th place on the latest standings and one point ahead of 13th-placed Maritzburg.
There was no shortage of goalscoring opportunities in a goalless first half and most of it were fashioned by Stellenbosch, who ironically enjoyed only 40% possession. By halftime, Stellenbosch had run up a 9-1 shots-on-goal count.
The problems in front of goal came about mainly because of poor option taking. Ashley du Preez, Stellenbosch's lone striker, was presented with a gilt-edged opportunity after lax defence by the Maritzburg. He headed a stray ball high over the bar when a gentle nod would have enough to beat Maritzburg keeper Marcel Engelhardt who would have had to make an instinctive save to avert danger.
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Earlier, Nathan Sinkala, the Stellenbosch midfielder, also had a header opportunity but his effort flew high over the crossbar.
Close to halftime, a Maritzburg corner set the platform for a score, but midfielder Travis Graham narrowly missed the mark after a flick-on header by defender Clayton Daniels.
IOL Sport