Arrows down Maritzburg in KZN derby
Golden Arrows beat Maritzburg United 2-1 in an Absa Premiership encounter to grab local bragging rights. The game was played at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi on Sunday afternoon.
Quick fire goals from Thanduyise Khuboni and Bonginkosi Ntuli were enough to move Abafana Bes’thende out of the relegation zone, while Ayanda Nkosi scored for the Team of Choice.
Both coaches rang the changes, with Mark Harrison making three changes to the side that lost to SuperSport United last time out and Clinton Larsen making no fewer than five to the side that lost to Platinum Stars.
Robyn Johannes, Nhlanhla Vilakazi and Ashley Hartog missed the encounter through injury.
Vuyisile Ntombayithethi nearly got the hosts off to the best possible start, his shot from range had the beating of Shu-Aib Walters but not the crossbar.
The first half failed to catch alight, with neither side really challenging the opposition goalkeeper.
It was not for a lack of trying, as both teams played with attacking intent; the final ball, though, was non-existent. As a result the first half ended goalless.
In stark contrast to the first 45, the second produced a number of goal scoring opportunities.
Frank Sarfo-Gyamfi went close to giving the visitors the lead on the hour mark. The Ghanaian midfielder stepped past Walters but his effort was cleared off the line by Mzivukile Tom.
Abafana Bes’thende had an opportunity to open the scoring from the penalty spot after Dumisani Zwane was adjudged to have been brought down in the area by Micheal Morton, a bit harsh on the midfielder. Khuboni duly stepped up and placed the ball into the top corner.
Ntuli doubled the home side’s lead three minutes later with what was a superb solo effort. The sturdy forward absolutely bamboozled Peter Petersen before curling the ball past Walters and into the top corner.
Ayanda Nkosi pulled one back for the Team of Choice in the 71st minute, moments after coming off the bench. Mohamed Awal’s cross was beautifully met on the volley by Nkosi, Mngoma didn’t stand a chance.
Arrows held on to secure the three points and subsequently move out of the drop zone. Maritzburg remain in eighth.
Golden Arrows (0) 2 (Khuboni 63’ Ntuli 66’)
Maritzburg United (0) 1 (Nkosi 71’)
Golden Arrows: Mngoma; Musonda, Sithole, Ntombayithethi, Tom, Zwane (Mlotshwa 90’), Nene, Khuboni, Shange, Cele (Zothwane 70’), Ntuli (Wadabwa 86’)
Maritzburg United: Walters; Petersen, M Booysen, Awal, Cloete, Mkhize, Morton, Sheppard (Nkosi 69’), Sarfo-Gyamfi (Smeekes 80’), Buckley (Mandaza 70’), Sekotlong
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