Mbesuma goal gives Aces well-deserved win
Aces are now in eleventh position on the Premier Soccer League log with 30 points and seven wins to their credit after they collected a vital three points.
Collins Mbesuma broke a long goal drought to hand Mpumalanga Black Aces a hard-fought 1-0 against Maritzburg United in an Absa Premiership match on Wednesday evening.
The match was played at the Mbombela Stadium, which had numerous empty seats. Still, the small contingent of Aces supporters created a vibrant atmosphere, especially when Mbesuma scored the winner after 71 minutes.
Aces are now in eleventh position on the Premier Soccer League log with 30 points and seven wins to their credit after they collected a vital three points.
The first big chance for Aces came when Lehlohonolo Nonyane hit a left-footed drive that ricocheted off a defender for a corner kick. Most of the play in the first half consisted of both teams battling for position in the middle of the field.
Maritzburg United did get the chance to build up a number of attacking plays after the half-hour mark with Mohammed Anas and Kurt Lentjies teaming up well to set up scoring opportunities. Maritzburg’s defender, Abel Mabaso also came close with a long range shot that crept over the crossbar much to Jackson Mabokgwane’s relief in the Aces goal.
Mabokgwane also pulled off a miraculous save just before half-time with a terrific block to keep scores even. The second half was a more pacy affair with Aces right wing, Aubrey Ngoma proving to be a handful for the away team. Unfortunately, Aces could not take advantage with Maritzburg’s defence stopping them dead in their tracks. When the ball eventually found its way on target, Maritzburg keeper, Virgil Vries, was on hand to stop Abia Nale’s well-timed header in the 65th minute.
Aces’ pressure eventually paid off when Mbesuma slotted the ball into the right-hand corner after finding himself one on one with the keeper. The striker’s strength and ball control were a constant threat which enabled him to shrug off John Paintsil who had previously kept in check with Aces’ Zambian striker.
Maritzburg United spent the next 15 minutes in Aces’ half of the field as they threw everything resolute defence. Valery Nahayo also came on a substitute to bolster the defence as Aces endured a number of anxious moments in their bid to keep their lead.
In the end they did enough as the final whistle blew to bag a vital three points in their bid for Absa Premiership survival.
