Though the Team of Choice found themselves a goal down at one stage, late strikes from Felix Obada and Mor Diouf handed the Pietermaritzburg side a come-from-behind victory that extends their unbeaten start to the season to seven games.

Maritzburg are up to third on the Absa Premiership log following the spirited come-back.

Stars created the first clear scoring opportunity in the 17th minute, with Sipho Nkosi heading just wide of the target from Thuso Phala’s corner kick.

Just before the half hour mark it was Maritzburg’s turn to miss out on a chance, with Prince Olomu heading off target from Felix Obada’s right-wing cross.

The sides exchanged further long range scoring chances – with Obada particularly trigger happy – but the goalkeepers were not really troubled and the half time whistle blew with the score at 0-0.

Early in the second half Stars broke the deadlock through Sibusiso Msomi, with the midfielder firing home a stunning long range goal.

United’s unbeaten record looked under serious threat, but the game turned on 64 minutes when Dikwena defender Phelelani Mpangase was dismissed for a second bookable defence, leaving the visitors to play just under half an hour with ten men.

Maritzburg immediately began to dominate and forced Stars onto the back foot, but they had to wait until the 85th minute to finally draw level when Obada turned home a low cross from Diouf.

The defender then turned from provider to goal scorer in injury time, cracking home a shot to hand the Team of Choice all three points.

Teams:

Maritzburg: Walters; Petersen (Matle 68’), Diouf, Hendricks, Sosibo (Ncubeni 71’); Obada, Morton, Lentjies, Evans; Olomu (F. Davids 53’), Sibisi

Stars: Mpontshane; Mpangase, Nkosi, Sambu, Thebakang (Mere 83’); Phala, Mkhabela, Msomi, Ntsikelelo, Ramolesa (Mbatha 60’); Botes