In a captivating DStv Premiership showdown at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, Golden Arrows managed to claw their way back into the coveted second spot with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sekhukhune United on Thursday evening.
The game saw some tactical changes for Arrows, as they opted to start Nduduzo Sibiya on the bench, giving Siyanda Mthanti a chance to shine. Meanwhile, Renaldo Leaner, Chibuike Ohizu, Tresor Yamba-Yamba, and Rally Bwalya retained their positions from Sekhukhune’s previous draw against Saint Eloi Lupopo in the CAF Confederation Cup.
The match kicked off with an early opportunity for Babina Noko, as Kgomotso Mosadi won a one-on-one battle and found himself in a promising position. However, he couldn’t find the target, firing the ball wide across the face of the goal.
Arrows, on the other hand, struggled to maintain possession and gifted the ball to Bwalya, who, fortunately for them, failed to capitalize on the error.
Despite the early scare, Abafana Besthende managed to seize the lead against the run of play in the 29th minute. Brendon Theron created a yard of space just outside the box and unleashed a sensational strike into the top corner, courtesy of a clever setup by Ryan Moon.
😮💨 🚀 🔥 What a way to score your first goal of the season….
— Lamontville Golden Arrows FC (@goldenarrowsfc1) October 5, 2023
Click Click. BANG ❗️ #sthendeway #greenandgold #10betgoldenarrows #durbanhasmore pic.twitter.com/BPKwh9a4Bw
With the momentum swinging in favour of the visitors, Sekhukhune failed to equalize before the half-time whistle. Nevertheless, they displayed resilience as they returned to the pitch for the second half.
Despite holding a slender lead, Abafana Besthende weren’t content to rest on their laurels. They bolstered their attack by introducing Knox Mutizwa, Lungelo Nguse, and Nduduzo Sibiya for Ryan Moon, Siyanda Mthanti, and Olwethu Ncube, respectively.
Sekhukhune sought to increase the tempo in the dying moments of the match, bombarding Arrows’ defensive third with intent. However, their efforts lacked the necessary efficacy to break through Arrows’ resolute defence.
Babina Noko continued to surge forward in search of an equalizer, but the steadfast Arrows goalkeeper, Ismail Watenga, thwarted their every attempt. His heroic efforts secured a crucial victory for his team, catapulting them back into the coveted second position on the league table.
17 - 17 points from 8 games is Golden Arrows' best start to a season in 15 years, since collecting 18 points from eight in 2008/09. Impressing. #dstvprem pic.twitter.com/Ne0DGFw8Sh
— OptaJabu (@OptaJabu) October 5, 2023
