Wits edge Maritzburg to maintain unbeaten run

Mkhwanazi headed in Elias Pelembe’s corner five minutes from time, to steal the win for the Clever Boys just six minutes after United had equalised through substitute Mohau Mokate.

The result dented United’s already slim title hopes. Fadlu Davids’ side are five points behind Mamelodi Sundowns, and Masandawana have two games in hand on the Team of Choice.

Pelembe hit the target for Wits early on, a looping effort that Richard Ofori had little trouble tipping over the bar.

United’s Ghanaian goalkeeper, however, was beaten in the 16th minute, as Lehlohonolo Majoro won a free kick on the edge of the area and Keagan Ritchie stepped up, curling a brilliant left-footed effort that Ofori could only help into the net.

It was Ritchie’s first ever Absa Premiership goal.

Maritzburg were trying to pass their way through a compact Wits defence, that pressed well, though they occasionally crossed the line with their challenges, with Thulani Hlatshwayo and Ritchie both booked in the first half for taking down United playmaker Siphesihle Ndlovu.

Davids’ side created few openings, their best in the first 45 minutes coming when Andrea Fileccia blasted over the bar.

At the other end, Majoro’s shot was too close to Ofori, though the ‘keeper made a bigger deal of saving it than he should have.

Davids brought on another attacker in Mokate for defender Siyanda Xulu at the break, and he had the first chance of the second half, a looping header comfortably tipped over by Darren Keet.

The Wits goalkeeper then also had to be alert to rush of his line to stop Bandile Shandu, after a poor back-header from Sifiso Hlanti.

In the 78th minute, Wits could have doubled their advantage, as Hlanti cut the ball back for Cole Alexander, but his effort was brilliantly saved by Ofori.

And the Clever Boys were made to pay as Mokate turned home at the near post a minute later.

Wits, however, regained the lead in the 85th minute, as Mkhwanazi rose highest to beat Ofori to the ball and head in Pelembe’s corner.