Fileccia fires Maritzburg United past Platinum Stars

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Friday Feb 23, 2018. 22:16

Maritzburg United overcame Platinum Stars 2-1 in an Absa Premiership match at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday night.

As a result, Team of Choice climb up to second place on the league standings, while Dikwena remain 16th on the table.

The visitors took the lead just 13 minutes into the match after the Team of Choice had a conceded a free-kick near their box.

Riyaad Norodien beat Maritzburg goalkeeper Richard Ofori to make it 1-0 to Stars from the set-piece.

The hosts then pressed Dikwena as they looked to level matters with the likes of Siphesihle Ndlovu and William Twala looking lively.

However, the Stars defence which was marshalled by Orlando Pirates loanee Ayanda Gcaba looked solid.

Twala was able to link up well with his Maritzburg team-mate Deolin Mekoa in the 39th minute.

However, the duo were not able to work the ball into an attacking position as Stars stood firm at the back.

The score was 1-0 to Stars during the half-time break.

A second-half which was dominated by Team of Choice followed as Dikwena struggled to contain the hosts.

Stars keeper Visser was in top form as he denied Mohau Mokate, Pogiso Sanoka and Andrea Fileccia.

Biut Fileccia never lost hope as he hit the back of the net to make it 1-1 with a good finish in the 88th minute.

The Belgian striker then sealed Maritzburg's 2-1 win after the hosts were awarded a late penalty which Fileccia converted in stoppage time.

Maritzburg (0) 2 (Fileccia 88', 90+4')
P Stars (1) 1 (Norodien 13')

Maritzburg: Ofori, Sanoka (Van Wyk 82'), Xulu, Fransman, Thlone (Mokate 46'), Makaringe, Ndlovu, Shandu, Mekoa, Twala (Kunene 71'), Fileccia.

P Stars: Visser, Mthethwa, Gcaba, Sithole, Mekoa (Mkhabela 12'), Baloyi, Mere, Tshabangu, Norodien (Ng'ambi 86'), Phiri, Koapeng (Matlakala 54').