Absa Premiership
Result: Maritzburg United 0-0 Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 14 September 2016
Venue: Harry Gwala Stadium
Maritzburg United held Mamelodi Sundowns to a goalless draw in their Absa Premiership clash on Wednesday night.
The Brazilians started the game on the front foot and tested Virgil Vries early as Thapelo Morena showcased his pace before firing an angled shot at goal.
In the 18th minute the visitors had an opening as Themba Zwane found himself in space at the far post but his shot was well saved by Vries.
At the other end of the pitch, United had a shout for a penalty but the referee waved play on.
With only a few moments left in the first half, Morena had a great chance in the six-yard box, but the United defence stood firm to deny him in the nick of time.
Sibusiso Vilakazi had a terrific chance just after the half-time interval when he beat the defence and attempted a chip over the goalkeeper that went inches wide.
United were even closer to scoring shortly thereafter as Kurt Lentjies produced a corner kick that found Brian Onyango who hit the post with his header.
With time running out, Pitso Mosimane introduced Keagan Dolly for Yannick Zakri in the 78th minute, before he brought Percy Tau for Morena after 84 minutes.
Sundowns had a penalty appeal turned down just past the hour mark and then forced a fantastic save from Vries as Vilakazi again had a go at finding the breakthrough, but it wasn't to be.
Here's how they lined up:
Maritzburg: 30 Vries, 19 Mogapi, 2 Onyango, 5 Weidlich, 16 Fransman, 6 Moyo (Mngonyama), 10 Zulu, 29 Lentjies, 15 Nale (Feliccia 77'), 19 Rusike, 28 Mekoa
Sundowns: 1 Mweene, 2 Nthethe, 16 Nascimento, 29 Soumahoro, 32 Madisha, 15 Mohomi, 23 Julies, 27 Morena (Tau 84'), 11 Vilakazi, 18 Zwane (Laffor 63'), 24 Zakri (Dolly 78').
