A first half strike from Mxolisi Gumede guided Mbombela United to 1-0 win over the University of Pretoria in a Premier Soccer League promotion/relegation playoff fixture at Tuks Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The visitors ended the game with 10-men, Mxolisi Mayongo receiving his marching with 10 minutes remaining.

Having suffered a 3-0 defeat to Highlands Park in the opening fixture, Mbombela headed to the South African capital in desperate need of a win to keep their top-flight aspirations alive.

AmaTuks, though, started the game on the front foot with Khethukuthula Zwane teeing up Vuyisile Ntombayithethi on seven minutes. The AmaTuks utility player guiding his header attempt onto the outside of the post.

Mbombela were not content on sitting back and launched an attack of their own, Gumede had time and space in the box, but could only manage to direct his effort wide of goal.

Backed by their traveling fans, Mbombela continued to look the more dangerous of the two side's and after Bongani Ndlovu directed his header straight at Tristyn Coetsee, the visitors opened the scoring.

Gumede raced into the area before firing an unstoppable left-footed shot past Coetsee at his near post, four minutes before the break.

United continued their dominance following the interval with both Ndlovu and Gumede missing guilt-edged chances for Vusi Mkhatshwa's troops.

AmaTuks rattled the woodwork for the second time in the match just before the hour mark. Getaneh Kebede unlucky to see his effort tipped onto the crossbar by Thuto Xaba.

With AmaTuks committing men forward, the hosts were vulnerable at the back with a counter-attack leading to a penalty for the away side. Victor Shongwe duly stepped up, but Coetsee was up to the task to keep the Pretoria side in the game.

Mbombela, though, held on for all three points to move level on points with Highlands Park after two games.

University of Pretoria (0) 0

Mbombela United (1) 0 (Gumede 41')

Teams:

University of Pretoria: Coetsee; Zwane, Mthethwa, Mwedihanga, Ntombayithethi - Mnyamane (Chikohwa 81'), Ketjijere, Maruping, Nkoana (Mosadi 53') - Kebede, Bacela (Nyondo 60')

Mbombela United: Xaba; Shongwe, Dhlandhla, Mayongo, Maphosa - Gumede (Nkosi 71' [Mabuza 85']), Mphahleni, Maliba, Maboe - Jantjie (Sekome 65'), Ndlovu