Amakhosi overcome stubborn Maritzburg U

DURBAN – Kaizer Chiefs needed more than 90 minutes to overcome a stubborn Maritzburg United outfit in the Nedbank Cup, as the Soweto giants advanced to the Round of 16 following a 2-0 win at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg last night.

As the feeling out process began, Chiefs won the battle in the middle of the park and passed the ball around with confidence. Sitting tight, Maritzburg United were reduced to defending on the edge of their penalty area.

In search of an opener, Amakhosi penned Maritzburg back in their own 18-yard area with slick, intricate passing movements. The Team of Choice remained under the kosh with around 15 minutes on the clock and struggled to get out of their own half.

As the dust settled, Maritzburg slowly worked their way into the game, albeit by way of counter attacking moves. However, Amakhosi regrouped swiftly and regained their momentum.

Challenge

The team of Choice were reduced to 10 men, moments before the end of the first half, as Travis Graham received his second yellow of the match following a rough challenge on Mduduzi Shabalala in the middle of the park.

The Soweto giants created several goalscoring opportunities before the end of the first half, however, Maritzburg did enough to fend off Chiefs’ attacking moves as the scoreline remained at 0-0.

Chiefs started the second half on a positive note and looked sharp with the extra man on the pitch. Ashley Du Preez and Keagan Dolly looked to get their name on the scoresheet with long range efforts, which was dealt with by the Maritzburg goalkeeper.