SOCCER enthusiasts from KwaZulu-Natal came in droves to watch the first Absa Premiership match at the newly-built Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban yesterday.

The tickets for the match were sold out as more fans wanted to have the feeling of this World Cup venue.

Though most of the spectators were rooting for AmaZulu, the Team of Choice emerged 1-0 victors, thanks to a 70th-minute goal by Brice Aka after a goalmouth tussle.

The first chance of the match also fell to Aka, who was allowed enough space to twist and turn before taking a shot, but his attempt went off the mark in the 10th minute.

Seven minutes later, Sibusiso Hadebe's long-range shot was easily saved by goalie Tashrique Goldman.

United were reduced to 10 men when Peter Petersen received his marching orders from referee Charl Theron after he was adjudged to have fouled Hadebe when the latter was in a good scoring position.

The second half started much like the first, with both teams fluffing a number of scoring chances.