Golden Arrows beat Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 in the wet weather clash in the Betway Premiership at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Gladwin Shitolo scored the only goal of the match propelling his side to their first win since Mabhuti Khenyeza’s departure.
Nasreddine Nabi, Chiefs’ head coach, made two changes to the starting lineup from the previous match, introducing Mfundo Vilakazi and Tebogo Potsane in place of Ashley Du Preez and Rushwin Dortley. Abafana Bes’thende, meanwhile, retained the same starting XI that faced AmaZulu FC.
Both teams began cautiously, prioritising a solid defensive foundation in the critical opening stages. While both sides enjoyed brief periods of possession and ventured into the opposition’s half, they failed to create any truly threatening opportunities.
With the vocal support of their alternative home crowd, Chiefs gradually gained a foothold in the match. They injected pace into their attacks, utilizing the speed of Tebogo Potsane and Wandile Duba on the flanks. Arrows, however, also posed a threat on the counter-attack whenever they regained possession.
As the rain intensified, the slippery pitch became a significant factor, making it difficult for players to maintain control.
In the 35th minute, Inacio Miguel had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock. Sibongiseni Mthethwa delivered a long pass, finding the Angolan centre-back unmarked in the box, but his attempt was expertly saved by Ismael Watenga.
Shortly after, Bruce Bvuma made a crucial save, parrying Siyanda Mthanti’s powerful free-kick over the bar, conceding only a corner kick for Arrows.
Thereafter, in a crucial moment, Nduduzo Sibiya intervened to prevent Shabalala from scoring into an empty net, rescuing his side from conceding. The score was 0-0 at halftime.
GOLDEN ARROWS’ GOAL IN THE SECOND HALF
In a surprising move, Nabi substituted Potsane at halftime, despite the winger’s impressive performance in the first half. Both teams returned to the field with renewed vigour, creating numerous scoring opportunities, but the defences remained resolute.
In the 56th minute, Gladwin Shitolo broke the deadlock for Golden Arrows. Bvuma made a save from Sbonelo Cele’s cross, but Shitolo reacted quickly to pounce on the rebound and fire home.
Nabi responded with a double substitution, introducing Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Pule Mmodi for Yusuf Maart and Mfundo Vilakazi.
The Glamour Boys came agonizingly close to equalizing when Reeve Frosler struck the post after a well-delivered free-kick by Bradley Cross.
They made several attempts to come back but Arrows’ defence understood the task at the back, remaining solid until the final whistle.
Amakhosi are next on action action against Sekhukhune United on 19 January at the same venue.
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