Cape Town City hold Maritzburg United in KZN

by Staff Reporter

Friday Oct 05, 2018. 21:55

Maritzburg United drew 0-0 with Cape Town City in an Absa Premiership match at the Harry Gwala Stadium in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday night.

As a result, the Team of Choice and the Citizens remained 13th, and 14th respectively on the league table

The Citizens got off to a bright start and they managed to test the Team of Choice goalkeeper Richard Ofori just 14 minutes into the encounter.

Ayanda Patosi received the ball from a throw-in and he turned into space, before firing a shot from 25-yards, but Ofori made a good save to deny the City midfielder.

The Team of Choice grew in confidence as the match progressed and they came close to breaking the deadlock through Yannick Zakri in the 23rd minute.

The Ivorian forward forced City’s Dutch goalkeeper Peter Leeuwenburgh into brilliant save with low shot after the hosts’ defence was exposed.

The hosts looked dangerous every time they pushed forward with the half-time break approaching. Mohau Mokate’s goal-bound effort was blocked by Ronald Putsche in the 39th minute.

The visitors were putting their bodies on the line as Bandile Shandu’s powerful shot was deflected wide by City left-back Edmilson Dove on the stroke of half-time.

However, the Citizens were able to contain the Team of Choice until match referee Victor Gomes blew the half-time break.

The score was 0-0 at the interval following a lively first-half between Maritzburg and City.

The Citizens continued to contain the Team of Choice after the restart and coach Fadlu Davids decided to make the first change of the encounter.

Zakri, who is on loan at Maritzburg from Mamelodi Sundowns, was pulled out and he was replaced by Belgian striker Andrea Fileccia on the hour-mark.

The hosts had a chance to score after Keletso Makgalwa's corner-kick found Siyanda Xulu, who headed over the crossbar in the 61st minute.

City coach Benni McCarthy decided to make a change with 12 minutes left on the clock - introducing speedy winger Craig Martin as the visitors looked to snatch a late winner.

Both teams launched attacks in the closing stages of the game, but they could not score and ultimately, Maritzburg and City drew 0-0 on the night.

Maritzburg (0) 0
CT City (0) 0

Maritzburg: Ofori, De Reuck, Sanoka, Xulu, Mandela, Shandu, Makaringe, Figareido (Makgalwa 46', Mekoa 89'), Ndlovu, Zakri (Fileccia 60’), Mokate.

CT City: Leeuwenburgh, Mkhize (Martin 78'), Mngonyama, Fielies, Edmilson, Putsche, Nodada, Patosi (Ralani 65'), Links, Norodien, Mthembu (Akosah-Bempah 80').