Amadou Soukouna scored a stunning late goal to lead Maritzburg United to a 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants in a 2021/22 DStv Premiership match at Harry Gwala Stadium on Wednesday evening. 

Victory moved the Team of Choice up to seventh on the league standings while Gallants, who have yet to score a goal in South Africa's top flight, dropped to the foot of the table following a second defeat in three matches. 

There were very few chances to write home about in the first half with the best chance falling at the feet of Celimpilo Ngema in the 36th minute. The Marumo No.10 found space in the Maritzburg penalty area, but was denied by Marcel Engelhardt who made a good save. 

A similar pattern followed after the break with Marumo creating the better of the chances. 

The ball fell favourably for Katlego Otladisa from a rebound just before the hour mark, but Engelhardt was quick off his line to deny the Gallants winger who had a clear shot at goal. 

Sede Dion should've handed the visitors the lead in the 78th minute. The forward dispossessed Alfred Ndengane in a dangerous area, but failed to hit the target with only the goalkeeper to beat, and he was duly made to rue that miss as Soukouna fired home the winner in stoppage time. 

The French striker received the ball on the edge of the area and without a moment's hesitation turned and shot a fierce effort past Washington Arubi and into the corner of the net to snatch all three points for the hosts at the death. 

Maritzburg United (0) 1  (Soukouna 90+2') 
 Marumo Gallants (0) 0

 

MARITZBURG UNITED: Engelhardt; Rae, Ndengane, Ismail, Theron, Claasen (Bhengu 90+4'), Kewuti, Ntshangase (L.Hlongwane 77'), Human (Skelem 46'), Soukouna, Zumah (Allie 46'). 

MARUMO GALLANTS: Arubi; Ravhuhali, Nonyane, Nkili, Otladisa (Khiba 86'), Ngema, Manaka (Timm 46'), Mnyamane, Mvelase (Hlatshwayo 76'), Ndlondlo (Madhananga 76'), Koapeng (Dion 60').