Durban City were edged out 1-0 by Sekhukhune United in the opening Betway Premiership match of the season, which took place at the Sehesgo Stadium in Limpopo on Saturday evening.
The opening 25 minutes provided some end-to-end action, the game fast-paced and intense, the only real chance though seeing Tshepo Mokoane curling an 18-yard effort over the target for the home club.
It was the hosts who were to draw first blood when a crossfield move saw the ball worked from Mokoane to Bright Ndlovu in the left hand channel, from where the marksman fired in a low angled shot into the back of the net.
Stung into action, Durban City created a chance of their own just after the restart, but were unable to restore parity as Jean Lwamba’s shot from the left hand side of the box was kept out by Sekhukhune stopper Melusi Buthelezi.
The action remained fast and furious and there was what appeared a close call for a penalty for the Citizens when Samkelo Maseko went down under a sharp challenge from Daniel Cardoso inside the box.
Moving into the second half, the home side tried to catch City by surprise with a a snapshot early on from range by Mokoane; there was no change to the scoreline however as Frederick Asare turned the ball around his near post.
Durban City looked set to level matters in the 50th minute with a blistering counter-attack which ended with Lwamba crossing for Maseko, whose shot was saved by Buthelezi – the rebound falling for Luphumlo Sifumba, who unfortunately blazed his effort over the crossbar.
The visitors worked hard as they pushed and probed for openings, but found the Sekhukhune United defence tough to break down.
There was a moment of inspiration in the 84th minute when Seth Green showed great pace down the right flank before chipping up to the back post, where an oncoming Tashreeq Morris was unable to direct his header on target.
The closing moments proved frustrating for the Citizens as the home side remained resolute at the back, with no further chances on goal for the Durban outfit despite their efforts.
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