Supersport win but relegation drama far from over
United defeated Free State Stars 3-2 in Atteridgeville.
Supersport United have boosted their hopes of survival, following their entertaining 3-2 victory over Free State Stars at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday night.
A win eases the pressure in the dressing room, somewhat following a recent winless run.
Goals from Thabo Mnyamane, Aubrey Modiba and Tebogo Mokoena were enough to give the Pretoria giants a much-needed win.
Matsatsantsa got a penalty in the opening 10 minutes after Stars defender Patrick Phungwanyo handled the ball in the penalty area.
Thabo Mnyamane made no mistake on the spot to put the Pretoria side one up.
United had a chance to get a second, but Modiba fired wide in the 31st minute.
In the second half, Stars pushed on for the equaliser, but Ronwan Williams was in fine form.
The 25-year-old keeper could do nothing when Goodman Dlamini’s goal-bound shot bounced off United’s Richard Boateng to give the away side the equaliser.
In the 68th minute, Modiba restored Matsatsantsa’s lead; but a few minutes later, Nyiko Mobbie struck a thunderous free kick to get Stars back on track.
It looked as if United were going to be held to yet another home draw until Mokoena blasted home a Thuso Phala Cross in the 90th minute to give United a hard-fought win.
Following their victory, United now occupy 14th place, one point above 15th place Ajax Cape Town.
For the Pretoria team to survive the chop, they’ll need to at least get four points from their last two games.
#Mood #3PointsCollected #RefuellingGreatness pic.twitter.com/jcH4pWBcUt
— SuperSport United FC (@SuperSportFC) April 26, 2018
Anything less could potentially see them contest in the National First Division playoffs at the end of the season.
On Saturday, they face off against Chippa United, who are not entirely safe from relegation given the fact that they are only four points ahead of Ajax and three ahead of United.
A draw will reassure Chippa of their PSL status, but for United it will add more woes.
Although Polokwane City and Bidvest Wits can still be relegated, United’s main threat is Ajax.
The Cape Town team face Sundowns at the Loftus Versfeld hoping for a win to stay alive.
Downs, however, are also looking to wrap up the league on Saturday and will be in no mood to field a b-team.
Should Downs win against Ajax, they would have United a favour regardless of how they play against Chippa.
Shout out to Thuso Phala for winning the man of the match award #AbsaPrem #3PointsCollected pic.twitter.com/CvlTFyzfRi
— SuperSport United FC (@SuperSportFC) April 25, 2018
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