Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Edgar Manaka scored the only goal of the match to hand high flying Polokwane City a 1-0 victory over Maritzburg United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
Maritzburg started the match the better of the two teams and got an early chance through a Yannick Zakri's free-kick, but Harold Ndlovu was up to the task in goals for the home side.
Siphesihle Ndlovu also had the chance to put his side ahead early in the match after combining with Mohau Mokate, but his effort failed to find the target.
Mokate was also gifted an opportunity to put the Team of Choice ahead after he was played by a pass from Zakri, but was also led down by poor finishing in the final third.
The home side had their best chance in the 32nd minute with Walter Musona making an effort with a left-footed effort though it was not strong enough to get the better Maritzburg goalkeeper-Richard Ofori.
Justice Figareido had the last opportunity to break the deadlock before the half time break, but his half volley failed to find the target as the match went to the break in a goalless stalemate.
Both teams looked to have upped their tempo in the second half though Maritzburg seemed to be struggling to cope with the pace of the home side, who were playing with a lot of pace when in attack.
It did not come as a surprise as Polokwane finally broke the deadlock against the run of play in the 66th minute having been the better side in the second half.
Manaka got to the end of a free kick played by Jabu Maluleka showing composure in front of goal as Rise and Shine finally got their way past Richard Ofori for the first goal of the match.
Bandile Shandu had a late chance to salvage a point for his side, but struggled to control a ball from Keletso Makgalwa inside the box as the home side walked away with the three points to maintain their impressive run.
The result saw Rise and Shine overtaking Kaizer Chiefs in third position after they lost to Orlando Pirates in the Soweto derby.
