Absa Premiership match report Mamelodi Sundowns v Maritzburg United 13 December 2017

The Brazilians dominated possession in the opening exchanges, while the Team of Choice were looking for opportunities on counter-attacks.

Lebohang Maboe got an opportunity on the counter in the 12th minute but his low shot sailed across the face of goal.

Maboe almost grabbed the lead for the visitors three minutes later with a powerful strike on the edge of the box, but he was denied by Denis Onyango, who brilliantly tipped the shot over the bar.

Themba Zwane came close to opening the scoring in the 28th minute with a glancing header that sailed over the bar following a cross from Tebogo Langerman.

Tau should have made it 1-0 in the 36th minute after he rounded Richard Ofori following a pass from Langerman but the goalkeeper had already narrowed the angle and forced the forward out of the pitch.

Pitso Mosimane's charges had a good spell of possession in the opposition's half in the last quarter of the first stanza but they were undone by too many fouls committed by United as it ended goalless going into the break.

Fadlu Davids made an alteration in his line-up at the beginning of the second half as Mohau Mokate made way for Bandile Shandu.

Evans Rusike fluffed a wonderful opportunity four minutes into the second stanza after a horrible back pass from Langerman sent him one-on-one with Onyango, who did well to make a timely tackle.

Sibusiso Vilakazi could not continue in the match four minutes before the hour mark following an injury and was replaced by Yannick Zakri.

Tau finally broke the deadlock in the 64th minute as he fired a low shot past Ofori following a through ball from Hlompho Kekana, 1-0.

Davids made a double substitution with 15 minutes left on the clock, as he brought on Andrea Fileccia for Deolin Mekoa while Mxolisi Kunene came on for Brian Onyango.

United were finding openings going forward in the last five minutes but were let down by their final pass.

Mosimane tightened his defence three minutes before time with a double substitution as Thapelo Morena and Zwane made way for Wayne Arendse and Anele Ngcongca as the hosts ran out 1-0 winners on the night.