Durban - Despite having Lehlohonolo Nonyane sent off, Black Aces were able to hold on for a 0-0 draw with Maritzburg United in their Absa Premiership clash at Harry Gwala Stadium.
Scoring chances were few and far between in the opening half, but the game did open up for patches in the second half. Overall, a draw was probably the deserved result for both sides.
With a point for each club, Maritzburg are up to fourth position on the log while Aces are in 11th spot.
Miguel Timm got the first shot in at goal after just 12 minutes, but found Virgil Vries solid in goal. Then Aces striker Tendai Ndoro tested Vries again and soon after Ndoro hit the post.
Maritzburg hit back in the 25th minute when Sheldon van Wyk’s attempt flew wide of the post.
In the 37th minute, Khumbulani Banda’s effort was saved by Energy Murambadoro and from the resultant corner kick, Edwin Gyimah cleared the danger.
Six minutes before the half time break, a Van Wyk corner found Ashley Hartog but his header went over the bar.
Ten minutes into the second half substitute Mondi Cele got in a shot at goal for the home side but Murambadoro held onto the ball.
Then Ashley Hartog’s header crashed against the bar before Lehlohonolo Nonyane was sent off in the 65th minute.
Maritzburg went close when Mohammed Anas drove his shot wide of the upright and Hartog put his effort wide of goal.
And in the final ten minutes, Aces goalkeeper Murambadoro did well to keep out a Cele shot and a free kick from Mkhize as the game settled for a draw.
Teams:
Maritzburg United
Vries, Mabaso, Mngonyama, Paintsil, Matuka, Van Wyk (Cele 53’), Mkhise, Hartog, Banda (Lentjies 76’), Mandaza (Mokate 60’), Anas
Mpumalanga Black Aces
Murambandoro, Gumede, Nonyane, Nengomasha, Gyimah, Adusei, Timm, Jayiya (Tukane 61’), Nale, Ndoro (Ngalo 67’), Khenyeza (Mbesuma 61’)