SuperSport United claimed a 2-0 win over Cape Town City in a DStv Premiership clash at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday evening.
The result, secured by a first-half strike from Thapelo Maseko and a bizarre, late own goal, saw Matsatsantsa break a four-match winless streak in the league and rise to second place on the standings – 23 points off the pace of leaders Mamelodi Sundowns (who have played two more games than the chasing pack).
As for the Citizens, this is a second straight defeat after last week’s reverse at the hands of Cape rivals Stellenbosch and leaves them in 10th spot, nine points short of SuperSport’s tally.
The first clear chance of the match went the way of City in the sixth minute, with Thamsanqa Mkhize providing a low cross from the right to pick out the run of Taahir Goedeman, but the midfielder blazed his shot high and wide.
Eight minutes later the visitors threatened again, this time via Bertrand Mani, who ran onto a through ball from midfield and shot from the left of the penalty area, but saw his effort smothered by Ricardo Goss.
City appeared well set in the match, but found themselves going behind on 18 minutes. An attempt to play out from the back saw United’s Bradley Grobler steal possession and spark a move which ended with Thapelo Maseko thrashing a left-footed shot beyond the reach of Darren Keet for 1-0.
City searched for a way back into the game in what remained of the first half, but it was SuperSport who should have added to their advantage shortly before the break, with Zakhele Lepasa missing from a dangerous cross whipped in by Grant Margeman.
A goal down at the break, the Cape side looked to shuffle their pack in attack by withdrawing Mani and replacing him with Juan Zapata at the start of the second half.
Yet chances were hard to come by for the Citizens, who struggled to find space in SuperSport’s half of the field, with the hosts well organised and disciplined in their defensive duties.
One of the only occasions when Matsatsantsa’s defence was lacking came as late as the 86th minute, as City substitute Kajally Drammeh was allowed to power forward and shoot from the edge of the box, but he skewed his effort wide.
The game was settled early in injury time when City goalkeeper Keet was caught out of position, having come forward for a corner kick – Ghampani Lungu powered forward and sent a low shot from long range toward the open goal.
Darwin Gonzalez charged back and attempted to clear the effort, who appeared to be travelling just wide, but his awkward action only directed the ball onto the post and into the back of the net to make it 2-0 to United.
The teams will next be in Nedbank Cup Last 32 action, with SuperSport at home to Dondol Stars on Wednesday 8 February, while City will host Royal AM on Sunday 12 February.