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Maritzburg dim Stars

Pietermaritzburg - Goals by Mondli Cele and Terrence Mandaza, as well an injury time penalty by Kurt Lentjies, gave Maritzburg United the three points as they beat Platinum Stars 3-1 at Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday night.

Dikwena were under pressure from the first minute as Steve Komphela’s side came with a mission to claim the spoils.

Just after 20 minutes of play, Mogakolodi Ngele managed to unleash a powerful shot but the Ghanaian-born defender John Paintsil blocked his effort.

Towards the interval, Dikwena were the worst team on the field, with their defence lacking communication while their wingers were failing to score.

Nhlanhla Vilakazi wasted an opportunity in the 41st minute after goalkeeper Kabelo Dambe’s erratic handling.

The second half wasn’t packed with action, particularly in the early minutes.

Towards the hour mark, coach Allan Freese introduced Robert Ng’ambi and Ndumiso Mabena.

The duo managed to take the game to United as they were rewarded with a goal by Eleazar Rodgers in the 69th minute – however, it was ruled offside.

In the 73rd minute Lentjies was set up Mkhize, but he wasted the opportunity as he shot straight to Dambe.

Stars were the better side towards the dying minutes of the game as Rodgers saw his effort parried by Vries a minute later.

However, in the 84th minute, Dikwena saw their attempts rewarded when Mabena’s free kick left Virgil Vries with no chance.

In the injury time, Kurt Lentjies scored for United from a penalty spot to ensure Komphela’s charges claim the three points as Stars’ efforts were not enough to see them getting an equaliser.

Scorers:
Maritzburg United (2) 3 (Cele 8’, Mandaza 14’, Lentjies 90+’ pen)
Platinum Stars (0) 1 (Mabena 84’)

Teams:
Maritzburg United: Virgil Vries, Abel Mabaso, Ryan De Jongh, Kwanda Mngonyama, John Paintsil,  Ashley Hartog, Thokozani Sekotlong (74’ Thamsanqa Mkhize), Mondli Cele (76’ Kurt Lentjies), Khumbulani Banda, Nhlanhla Vilakazi ( 59’ David Booysen), Terrence Mandaza

Platinum Stars: Kabelo Dambe, Vuyo Mere, Tshepo Gumede, Rofhiwa Tshikovhi, Luvolwethu Mpeta, Sibusiso Msomi (57’ Robert Ng’ambi), Letladi Madubanya, Mogakolodi Ngele, Mduduzi Nyanda (51’ Tintswalo Tshabalala), Joseph Banyane (57’ Ndumiso Mabena), Eleazar Rodgers

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