Black Aces through to last 16

Mpumalanga Black Aces got their Nedbank Cup off to the best possible start with a 2-1 victory against Maritzburg United in their last 32 match at the Mbombela Stadium on Wednesday night.

Goals from Lehlohonolo Nonyane and debutant Dino Ndlovu put Aces into a commanding 2-0 lead before Mohammed Anas pegged a goal back for Maritzburg.

The game was tightly contested throughout with both Aces and Maritzburg players looking for the crucial opening goal to build momentum for the rest of the match.

Thamsanqa Mkhize almost scored a shock opening goal for Maritzburg United but Aces defender Nonyane cleared his effort from the goal line to keep the game goalless.

Nonyane’s good form in this game continued as he opened the scoring after a perfectly curled shot from a free kick after 26 minutes. The small crowd in attendance rared in approval as Amazayoni too a deserved lead.

Aces keeper, Jackson Mabokgwane, made a few telling saves during the first half and continued his good form in the second on more than one occasion to deny the away team a way back into the match.

All Maritzburg United’s pressure came to naught as Aces’ new recruit Ndlovu showed his worth when he hit a perfectly timed shot past the despairing dive of keeper, Virgil Vries.

Maritzburg coach, Steve Komphela, now had to do some tactical tinkering as the team of choice continued their pressure on the Aces goal, while the home team seemed content to focus on defending their lead.

Aces coach, Clive Barker, had a few harsh words for his defenders after some slack positioning lead to Anas getting an easy shot on goal in the six yard area which he slotted home with ease.

There was a number of nervous moments for Aces in the final 15 minutes, but Maritzburg shot themselves in the foot when Ryan de Jongh was sent of after receiving a second bookable offence. This eased the pressure on Aces who will now move into the last 16 of this prestigious cup competition.