Maritzburg edge past Eagles

Miguel Timm of Maritzburg United challenged by Wandile Shezi of Royal Eagles during the National First Division Playoffs 2018/19 match between Maritzburg United and Royal Eagles on the 19 of May 2019 at Harry Gwala Stadium Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix

by Staff Reporter

Sunday May 19, 2019. 21:30

Maritzburg United kicked-off their Absa Premiership/ National First Division promotion-relegation playoff fixtures with a narrow 1-0 win over Royal Eagles at Harry Gwala Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

In a game of two halves, Maritzburg dominated the first half before Eagles took control of the second.

The Team of Choice dominated the early exchanges with Miguel Timm and Rushine de Reuck only denied the game's opener by Patrick Nyame who continued where he left off in midweek.

Nyame, though, could do nothing to keep out Thabiso Kutumela who struck home in the 37th minute after popping up unmarked at the back post.

Richard Ofori came up good for the hosts following the interval as Eagles went in search of the equaliser. The Ghanaian shot-stopper on hand to keep out Nkosivumile Zulu's header in the 78th minute before denying Samuel Manganyi in stoppage-time as Maritzburg held on for all three points.

Eric Tinkler's men next face Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila in Limpopo on Wednesday.

Maritzburg United (1) 1 (Kutumela 37')
Royal Eagles (0) 0

Maritzburg United: Ofori; Shandu, Allie, De Reuck, Xulu, Kutumela (Kateregga 81'), Timm, Makaringe, Kunene, Ndlovu (Onyango 88'), Monkate (Moseamedi 68').

Royal Eagles: Nyame; Cele, Manganyi, Shezi, Stoffels, Mosebo (Tau 69'), Bakah. Ntuli (Brown 57'), Nene (Tshabalala 80'), Wambi, Zulu.