Maritzburg United gave themselves a chance of avoiding relegation after holding champions Mamelodi Sundowns to a 1-1 draw at Loftus on Tuesday evening.
In what was the final league game of the season for both teams, the point gained by the Team of Choice sees them move one ahead of both Marumo Gallants and Chippa United at the foot of the DStv Premiership table.
Gallants and Chippa still have a match to play when the campaign concludes on Saturday with Maritzburg now hoping and praying that results go their way.
It seemed as if the KZN club were doomed when Sundowns took the lead in the 24th minute through Surprise Ralani.
The winger applied a composed finish after playing a one-two on the edge of the penalty with Neo Meama.
Who else but José Alí Meza 👀
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 16, 2023
The former Sundowns man draws Maritzburg level with his first touch after coming on as a substitute!
📺 Stream #DStvPrem live: https://t.co/Tg69y0EeUL pic.twitter.com/v9ERCDJuCA
Maritzburg knew they had to go for broke and created a few openings, mostly through set-pieces, but couldn’t beat Denis Onyango in the home team’s goal.
The visitors would eventually find the equaliser and it was a good team effort as the ball was played out from back and former Sundowns forward Ali Meza was on hand to net the vital goal.
Maritzburg then hung on for dear life towards the latter stages of the contest as they clung onto what could prove to be a survival point.
At the end of the game, the celebrations could finally start for Sundowns as they were officially handed the league trophy and medals and now look forward to the CAF Champions League semi-final second-leg against Wydad Casablanca on Saturday.
