Maritzburg United defeated Black Leopards 2-1 in an Absa Premiership match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Team of Choice remained 16th on the league log, while Lidoda Duvha remained 13th on the standings.

Both teams struggled to create chances in the opening stages of the game and the two goalkeepers were not seriously tested.

The Team of Choice grew in confidence as the match progressed and Siphesihle Ndlovu working hard in midfield for the visitors.

The reigning Young PSL Player of the Season was presented with a great opportunity to break the deadlock just after the half-hour mark.

However, Ndlovu was brilliantly denied by King Ndlovu in Leopards goal with the home side’s defence exposed.

Allan Kateregga’s shot from the edge of the box was then blocked as Leopards contained Maritzburg in the first-half.

The two teams were locked at 0-0 during the half-time break. 

It took only two minutes for the visitors to break the deadlock after the restart and it was Mohau Mokate, who hit the back of the net.

Fortune Makaringe set-up the striker, who then beat keeper Ndlovu to make it 1-0 to Maritzburg as the visitors stunned the home crowd. 

It was on 2-0 to Maritzburg when Leopards defender Jean Munganga scored an own goal after some good work by Makaringe in the 51st minute.

The hosts then pressed the visitors and they pulled one back through Mwape Musonda just after the hour-mark to mark it 2-1.

Mwape, who is the current Absa Premiership top goalscorer, was netting his 15th goal of the season as he looks to clinch the Golden Boot.

Lidoda Duvha pushed for a late winning equalizing goal with coach Dylan Kerr having introduced attacker Thokazani Sekotlong.

However, Maritzburg stood firm at the back and ultimately, they ran out 2-1 winners against Leopards.

Leopards (0) 1 (Musonda 62′)
Maritzburg (0) 2 (Mokate 47′, Munganga 52′)

Leopards: Ndlovu, Munganga, Munyai, Zulu, Katjiukua, Masalesa (Sekotlong 80′), Hlongwane, Tshepe (Mhlongo 58′), Mahangwahaya (Ndlovu 87′), Bereng, Musonda.

Maritzburg: Ofori, Mandela, Allie, Shandu (Kunene 46′), Xulu, Timm, Makaringe, Hlongwane (Zakri 66′), Kateregga (De Reuck 74′), Mokate, Ndlovu.