Cosmos beat AmaTuks 1-0 to keep survival hopes alive

02 May 2016 - 10:32 By Tiyani Wa Ka Mabasa

Jomo Cosmos have kept their hopes of survival alive with a 1-0 win over University of Pretoria in their relegation dog-fight at Olen Park in Potchefstroom on Sunday. As Ernst Middendorp cut a lonely figure on the stands and fully aware his Maritzburg United side is bottom with three matches to go‚ the German was probably hoping for a draw in Potchefstroom.The home side‚ though‚ had other ideas as they came out of their blocks very quickly in search of a win in this so-called 'cup final'.Cosmos midfielder Denver Mukamba had a chance from just outside the box as early as the third minute‚ but his attempt was wide.Jomo Sono's men were relentless in their attack and Thabang Monare was next with a chance‚ but his shot too was off target.The visitors were sitting back and they paid the price in the eighth minute when Cosmos' talisman Charlton Mashumba got the opener.It started with Mukamba shooting at goal from the edge of the box‚ but failed to fully connect. The ball found its way to Mashumba‚ who put it away.Three minutes later‚ Cosmos midfielder Linda Mntambo started another attack from the right and he could have finished the job after a shot‚ but this time University of Pretoria goalkeeper Tristyn Coetsee was well positioned to block the ball.Sherwyn Naicker‚ in goal for Cosmos‚ almost gifted AmaTuks a goal in the 21st minute.AmaTuks attacked through Innocent Nemukondeni‚ who crossed the ball. Naicker tracked back‚ but missed the ball and it hit the top of the crossbar to come back into play before the Cosmos defence saved his blushes when they cleared.Ezenkosi's good start was ruined in the 27th minute when Mashumba was forced off the pitch with an injury. He was replaced by Brice Aka.Six minutes later‚ AmaTuks made their own change with Lennox Bacela coming on for Ian Chikohwa‚ who was struggling with the pace of the game.The Tshwane side came close to an equaliser in the 40th minute‚ but Thabo Mnyamane's low drive was saved by Naicker.The two sides went to the break with Cosmos in the lead‚ while Middendorp thought long and hard about the implications of the result for his charges in KwaZulu-Natal.Chances were few and far between early on in the second stanza‚ but both sides did have their moments later on.AmaTuks won a free kick in the 58th minute‚ but Bacela's attempt was just wide. In the 61st minute‚ on the other end‚ Monare tried with an overhead kick and came close.University of Pretoria substitutes Junior Sibande and Getaneh Kebede combined with nine minutes of regulation time remaining. Sibande put in a cross and Kebede's good header was met with an equally good save by a diving Naicker.Cosmos‚ however‚ survived the onslaught for the much needed three points.Cosmos now occupy 14th spot on the log‚ followed by University of Pretoria with 21 points and Maritzburg United take last spot with 20 points.The fight for survival continues... ..

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