SuperSport United bounced back from the loss to Kaizer Chiefs with a 3-1 win over Royal AM on Tuesday evening.
Patrick Maswanganyi was handed his debut by United while Sipheshile Ndlovu got his first start under Gavin Hunt, as Royal AM started veteran Elias Pelembe.
READ | The PSL's most valuable new-signings XI
Maswanganyi almost made a huge impact inside 14 minutes when his cross into the box picked out Bradley Grobler, who headed against the crossbar.
SuperSport made further entries five minutes apart in the way of a powerful drive from a clever area by Jamie Webber, but Royal AM goalkeeper Hugo Nyame produced a save.
Nyame was at it again seconds to the half-hour mark when he stretched across his area and pulled off a clever save to smother a diving header from Grobler.
SuperSport continued to have a lot of the ball and opportunities following the second half, but were nearly behind when Kabelo Mahlasela's half-volley flew narrowly past the near corner.
Matsatsantsa responded minutes later and worked a superb first-time save off Nyame from an equally first-time volley on the edge of the area by Maswanganyi.
The host finally made the breakthrough over 12 minutes into the second half as Thamsanqa Gabuza arrived unmarked at the far post of the area and headed in Maswanganyi's cross.
Royal AM didn't lose confidence and rallied on and subsequently levelled when substitute Mfundo Thikazi applied a clever finish from an assist by Menzi Masuku.
With Iqraam Rayners and Ghampani Lungu on, United were back ahead courtesy of a cracking finish from range by Grant Margeman – giving Nyame no chance.
Royal AM nearly pulled level again through a flying shot from range by Thabo Matlaba, but Ricardo Goss tipped over.
Matsatsantsa though put the result beyond doubt when Grobler tapped in a loose ball to seal maximum points for the Tshwane side.
Confirmed line-ups:
SuperSport United: Goss, Ditlhokwe, Hlatshwayo, Margeman, Bhasera, Maswanganyi, Webber, Johannes, Grobler, Ndlovu, Gabuza
Subs: Chigova, Fleurs, Mbatha, Donn, Rayners, Ngoma, Lungu, Maseko, Nhlapo
Royal AM: Nyame, Mogaila, Rikhotso, Manganyi, Matlaba, Phalane, Cele, Mahlasela, Pelembe, Macuphu, Gamildien
Subs: Ngcobo, Msomi, Nascimento, Dlamini, Sera, Thikazi, Stoffels, Ncobeni, Masuku
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
Click here to register: Sign In