A second-half goal by Percy Tau inspired Mamelodi Sundowns to a 1-0 victory over Maritzburg United at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday evening, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The Team of Choice produced the first opportunity in the 12th minute after Lebohang Maboe latched onto a through ball before blasting his effort across the face of goal.

Maboe had another opportunity three minutes later when he forced Denis Onyango into producing a fine save to deny his thunderous strike at goal.

Themba Zwane nearly broke the deadlock after 28 minutes after latching onto a cross from Tebogo Langerman but his header sailed over the target.

The Brazilians should’ve taken the lead in the 36th minute when Langerman played Percy Tau through on goal before rounding the Maritzburg goalkeeper Richard Ofori, but the forward was unable to convert his chance from a tight angle.

Hlompo Kekana had two chances to put his side ahead with his blazing volley sailing over the crossbar and his second effort was saved by the Maritzburg shot-stopper, Richard Ofori.

Neither side was able to find the opening goal in the first 45 minutes as the match went into the first half interval locked at 0-0.

Maritzburg came out with more intent in the second half and nearly took the lead after 49 minutes when forward Evans Rusike forced Onyango into making a great save to deny his effort from close range.

Tau should’ve handed his side the lead in the 58th minute, but the Bafana Bafana forward blazed his effort wide of the target.

However, Sundowns eventually took the lead five minutes later when Kekana played Tau through on goal before the forward slotted the ball past Ofori to make it 1-0.