Staff Reporter.
Golden Arrows and AmaZulu played 2 -2 draw in a thrilling 2021/22 DStv Premiership fixture at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont.
The result moved Amazulu onto three points for the season, with Benni McCarthy’s men still in search of their first league victory of the campaign. A point was enough to move Arrows up to seventh on the standings.
Xola Mlambo gave AmaZulu the lead in the 24th minute. Siphesihle Maduna floated in a corner before Mlambo made no mistake in finding the back of the net from close range.
Abafana Bes’thenda were handed a penalty by referee Victor Gomes just six minutes later after Usuthu veteran Tsepo Masilela handed the ball in the area after a cross by Mthokozisi Dube. Arrows stalwart Knox Mutizwa stepped up to take the spot-kick and made no mistake as he sent Veli Mothwa the wrong way.
Arrows were handed a second penalty near the half-time break as Luyuvo Memela stepped on the foot of Nkosinathi Sibisi. It was not to be second time lucky for Mutizwa as his spot-kick struck the post this time.
Arrows started the second half in dominating fashion as they had significantly more sustained passages of play and better pass execution.
However, Abafana Bes’thende were lucky to have not conceded in the 60th minute as Maduna fired in a free-kick which forced a finger-tip save from Sifiso Mlungwana onto the post.
Matome Mathiane gave Arrows the lead in the 77th minute with a looping header from a corner, giving Mothwa no chance of saving but Usuthu equalized just two minutes later after Sibisi was judged to have brought down Maduna in the area.
Bongi Ntuli stepped up from the spot for AmaZulu and notched his first league goal of the season.
Both sides did attack in the dying minutes of the game but a draw was a fair result in the end.
Meanwhile Amadou Soukouna scored a stunning late goal to lead Maritzburg United to a 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants in a 2021/22 DStv Premiership match at Harry Gwala Stadium on Wednesday evening.