Things did not go the Team of Choice's way against Platinum Stars at the Woodburn Stadium on Wednesday night as United went down 3-1 in an Absa Premiership match

Noah Chivuta scored for the home team with Norikazu Murakami and Dillon Sheppard netting for Star.

Tashrique Goldman scored an own-goal late in the game, while the Team of Choice played most of the game with 10-men after James Madidilani was red carded.

United were soon on the back foot when Japanese striker Murakami turned home Sheppard’s cross in the seventh minute.

Madidilani was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 25th minute.

Maritzburg did manage to get back into the game when Mbulelo Mabizela brought down Rudolph Bester in the 18-yard box and the referee pointed to the penalty spot.

Zambian international Midfielder Noah Chivuta converted the spot kick to make it 1-1 in the 34th minute.

But Dillon Sheppard put the visiting side back into the lead just before the break, turning home a shot from close range after an pass by Stanley Kgatla.

The second half saw Stars taking the game to United, who held on until the 78th minute before conceding the third goal when Goldman was credited with an unfortunate own goal.

LINE-UPS

Maritzburg: (4-4-2) Goldman; Madidilani, Dikilu, Phakhati (Diouf 46’), Hendricks; Obada, Nyatama, Madondo, Chivuta (Aka 70’); Bester, Davids

Stars: Kapini; Masenya, Mofokeng, Mabizela, Lobo; Malongoane (Ramokala 80’), Kgatla, Senamela, Sheppard; Renteria (Grobler 59’), Murakami (Meiring 67’)