Maritzburg United won their first game of the season in the KZN Derby against Golden Arrows in the Harry Gwala Stadium, the goal of Daylon Claasen and a late own goal gave the win for the home side. Micah Lea’alafa and Daniel Morgan started for the team coached by Erik Tinkler.
Micah Lea’alafa was once again a starter for Maritzburg in this match and just in the start of the game he created a good opportunity to score, but one of his teammates lost a golden opportunity.
Despite playing at home, it was Golden Arrows who took the lead with a goal of Danny Venter still in the first half. In the second half the New Zealander Daniel Morgan was subbed in the 46th minute and the Solomon Islander Lea’alafa gave place to Bongokuhle Hlongwane at the 63th minute of play.
With the two Oceanians out of the game, Daylon Claasen find the nets for Maritzburg as he levelled the game at the at the 86th minute of the game. Maritzburg with some luck got their winner after an own goal of Nkosinathi Sibisi to give final numbers to the scoreline: 2-1.
It was the 10th match of the season for Lea’alafa while Daniel Morgan already played 16 times for the South African side. The other New Zealander of the team – Jeremy Brockie – kept on the bench as an unused substitution.
Despite Lea’alafa not scoring yet for his new team, the Oceanians fans can be happy with his team performance since they are now at the 5th position in the league with 21 points – just three behind the 3th spot that gives qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup, the second most important club competition of African continent.
Oceania Football Center 