Durban City earned maximum points on the road after defeating Marumo Gallants 1-0 at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in a Betway Premiership encounter on Sunday afternoon.
A goal early in the second half from Saziso Magawana sealed victory.
The first half saw City largely untroubled in their own half, while at the other end, they managed to create a few openings, though no real clearcut chances.
Indeed, for the most part, the opening stanza was confined to a midfield battle.
It took until the 20th minute for the first chance to arrive; after a long ball into the Gallants box, Durban City gained control and engaged in some skilful interplay before the ball was worked to Trevor Mokwena on the right, but his shot lacked the venom to trouble home keeper Washington Arubi.
Two minutes later Mokwena tried his luck from range, but fired over the bar from a central position 25 meters out.
City also had a couple of moments in the opposition box at the end of the first half, one seeing Athini Jodwana just unable to locate Mokwena in front of goal with a low angled pass; the other resulting in a blocked shot from Samkelo Maseko.
Before a minute of second half action had been played, the complexion of the game was changed as City surged ahead with a goal from Magawana.
Magawana converted from 12-yards out, steering a first-time shot into the roof of the net after Kyle Jurgens had found space down the righthand side of the box before delivering an inch-perfect square ball.
City did well after that to manage the game – ensuring Gallants did not threaten their own goal, thanks to some resolute defending on the edge of their own area.
The KwaZulu-Natal side did have to dig deep in the final 15 minutes as the hosts pushed for an equaliser, goalkeeper Darren Keet having to put his body on the line when called upon.
In the end, City’s focus and resilience proved enough as they held on for the three points in Tshwane.
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