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Cosmos repel Maritzburg

Jomo Cosmos marked their return to the Absa Premiership last night with a characteristic fighting performance, gaining a morale-boosting away point in a goalless tie at Maritzburg United.

There were none of the goal thrills of Maritzburg's last match on Wednesday when they lost 5-3 at Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN8 competition as Cosmos smothered their hosts and restricted their chances.

"I'm happy with this return to the Premier League. An away point is three points for us," said coach Jomo Sono.

Maritzburg plugged away but lacked the requisite creativity in front of a disappointed holiday crowd. They had three late chances but goalkeeper Sherwyn Naicker kept them at bay.

Cosmos were put under severe pressure in the opening passages of play and looked a little daunted as Maritzburg took the game to them straight from the kick off.

But the newly promoted outfit did not take long to get their defensive lines organised and were often with 10 men behind the ball.

Despite being well behind in the ball possession statistics, Cosmos had the better of the first-half chances.

Pentjie Zulu rattled the Maritzburg woodwork with a left-footed effort after 13 minutes and Matsilele Sono, son of owner Jomo, hit two shots wide.

For Maritzburg, Kurt Lentjies had an opportunity early on the left and then on the stroke of half-time from the right. He hurt his hamstring in the process and went off after the interval.

Fifteen minutes into the second half saw a chance at either end. Cosmos fullback Cheslyn Jampies squandered two free kicks and Mxolisi Machupu was set up by substitute Bamuza Sono, another Jomo son, but hit a soft effort that was saved.

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