Cape Town - High-flying Maritzburg United picked up their third Absa Premiership win on the trot with a thumping 3-0 victory over Stellenbosch on Friday night.
FT | Maritzburg United v Stellenbosch
The victory sees Eric Tinkler's side leapfrog into the top four, overtaking both Supersport United and Bidvest Wits, as they bounced back straight away following their disappointing Nedbank Cup exit against Bloemfontein Celtic last weekend.
Stellenbosch, meanwhile, entered the match on the back of an impressive run of four victories in their last five to move up to ninth on the table but found themselves thoroughly outplayed on this occasion.
United opened their account in the 13th minute when Bongokuhle Hlongwane took full advantage of a rare start by powering a header past Lee Langeveldt after the keeper had palmed Thabiso Kutumela's shot back into play.
The Team of Choice spurned a couple of opportunities to extend their lead in the first half but did finally get their second in the 56th minute when Tebogo Tlolane found the target with a low strike after Hlongwane provided the through ball.
Maritzburg keeper Richard Ofori was asked to make his first save of the match shortly after as Stellies nearly pulled one back but proved equal to the task.
In the final 15 minutes, Tinkler brought on striker Judas Moseamedi to partner Hlongwane upfront in place of Kutumela.
The move paid off five minutes from time when a Maritzburg corner went flying into the box and Hlongwane headed home his second goal of the night from close range.
Hlongwane came close to scoring a hat-trick in the dying moments of the match after going clear at the near post, but a crucial block prevented any further celebrations as it finished 3-0 to the home side at the Harry Gwala Stadium.
- TEAMtalk media