Yusuf Maart scores twice as South Africa’s overseas players reach midweek milestones

South Africa’s players abroad experienced a mixed midweek, with Yusuf Maart scoring his first goals for Ried, Olwethu Makhanya opening his account for Rangers and Fagrie Lakay providing an assist in Libya.

Maart, the former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, struck twice in Austria as Ried drew 3-3 with LASK in the quarter-finals of the OFB Cup. Ried were eventually eliminated after losing 5-4 in extra time.

The two goals marked Maart’s first for the club and came in a high-scoring cup tie that went beyond 90 minutes before LASK secured their place in the semi-finals.

Makhanya also reached a personal landmark in Scotland, scoring his first goal for Rangers in their 2-2 league draw with Hearts.

The defender’s goal was not enough to earn Rangers victory, but it ended his wait for a first strike since joining the Scottish club.

Lakay contributed to Al-Ahli Tripoli’s 2-0 league win over Al Bashayer in Libya. He set up Fiston Mayele to score the opening goal before Al-Ahli Tripoli added a second.

There were less positive results elsewhere for South African players.

In Albania, Rowan Human played 85 minutes for Partizani, who lost 2-1 to AF Elbasani. The defeat was Partizani’s sixth in a row.

Patrick Maswanganyi made a brief appearance in Bahrain, coming on for 19 minutes as Al Khalidiyah were beaten 2-1 by Al Wahda in the AFC Champions League group stage.

Gift Links played the first 45 minutes for Aarhus, who advanced in the Betano Pokalen with a 2-1 quarter-final victory over Roskilde.

In Major League Soccer, Mbekezeli Mbokazi was unavailable for his side’s 2-2 draw with Orlando City because of suspension. Puso Dithejane was introduced from the bench in injury time.

Lyle Foster played 72 minutes for Houston Dynamo as they claimed a 1-0 away win against Seattle Sounders.