Leopards host desperate Maritzburg

by BackPageTXT

Friday Apr 26, 2019. 10:47

Black Leopards will host a desperate Maritzburg United in a crunch Absa Premiership clash at Thohoyandou Stadium on 27 April 2019, kick-off at 15h00.

Leopards have gone four matches without a league win after they were beaten 3-1 at Bidvest Wits on April 24, though striker Mwape Musonda continued his form with yet another goal.

Lidoda Duvha have claimed 19 points from 12 home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 1-1 draw with Kaizer Chiefs in mid-April.

Maritzburg suffered a fourth loss from their last five league matches (and a 15th defeat overall) when they were beaten 1-0 at home by Orlando Pirates on April 24.

The Team of Choice has claimed just five points from 13 away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 1-0 loss at Highlands Park in mid-April.

In head-to-head stats, Maritzburg and Leopards have met in nine top-flight league matches since 2005/06. Lidoda Duvha have claimed three wins compared to two for the Team of Choice, while four games have been drawn. The Limpopo side boasts an unbeaten record in the rivalry, with two wins and two draws from four matches as hosts.

When the teams met earlier this season, at the Harry Gwala Stadium in December 2018, they played to a 1-1 draw: Brian Onyango put Maritzburg ahead before Mwape Musonda equalised from the penalty spot for Leopards.

Leopards’ line-up from their 3-1 loss to Wits on April 24: K.Ndlovu, Munyai, Katjiukua, Munganga, Zulu, Mudau (Hlongwane 66'), Masalesa, Mokoena (Kapinga 74'), Mahangwahaya, Tshepe (Ndlovu 83'), Musonda.

Maritzburg’s line-up from their 1-0 loss to Pirates on April 24: Ofori, Allie, De Reuck, Onyango, Shandu, Ndlovu, Timm, Makaringe, Kunene (Mekoa 46’), Mokate (Moseamedi 69’), Hlongwane (Kutumela 78’).