Tempers flare between Arrows and Richards Bay as Sekhukhune down Maritzburg

Tempers flare as Golden Arrows triumph over Richards Bay

A heated encounter took place on Saturday afternoon at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium as Golden Arrows secured a 1-0 victory over Richards Bay FC in the KwaZulu-Natal derby.

Richards Bay had the return of goalkeeper Salim Magoola, Sanele Barns and Katlego Maphathe, making three changes from their defeat against Orlando Pirates. Meanwhile, Golden Arrows were also boosted by the return of Divine Lunga, Sicelokuhle Hlatshwayo, and Ryan Moon after a goalless draw against Sekhukhune United.

Arrows made a perfect start with Ryan Moon scoring a glancing header just six minutes into the game after a cross by Knox Mutizwa from a short corner. The visitors looked like they could extend their lead on the break with nippy combinations around the box, but they struggled with the final pass.

The Rich Boyz were dealt a further blow eight minutes before the break as Abel Mabaso was sent off after a bad challenge, reducing them to ten men. This seemed to spur them on, and they began to play with more intensity. Sanele Barns came close to equalising on the stroke of half-time with a looping strike from an angle, but it was met with an acrobatic save from shot-stopper Sifiso Mlungwana.

Richards Bay absorbed pressure early in the second half, not allowing Golden Arrows any gaps, but they were nearly punished on 63 minutes after Mutizwa pulled away unmarked at the back post and fired a bouncing volley just over the crossbar.

Arrows then began to play a more defensive game, bringing on Gladwin Shitolo for Ryan Moon, which invited more pressure from the home side. Mpho Mathebula almost levelled the score 19 minutes before full-time with a cracking shot from the fringes of the box that clipped the tip of the top corner of the crossbar.

To try and unlock Arrows' defence, Richards Bay brought on Luvuyo Memela for the last ten minutes in place of Ovella Ochieng. Memela brought a spark to the home side's attack, but they were crowded out by Arrows, who snuffed out danger a couple of times. Mutizwa should have sealed the game for the visitors in stoppage time from a break attack, but he fluffed his big chance.

The win takes Golden Arrows up to sith place on the log, while Richards Bay are in seventh after 25 games.

No luck for relegation-threatened Maritzburg at Sekhukhune

In Saturday evening's DStv Premiership match, Sekhukhune United secured a 1-0 victory over Maritzburg United, propelling them back into the top eight bracket.

Sekhukhune wasted no time in attempting to score, with Nyiko Mobbie hitting the woodwork just seconds after kick-off. A few minutes later, Vusimuzi Mncube had a one-on-one chance but was unable to overcome Maritzburg's goalkeeper, King Ndlovu.

Throughout the game, Maritzburg United struggled to create chances and break out of their own half, while Sekhukhune United took control of the game and created numerous opportunities.

The second half saw Sekhukhune United continued to dominate the game, with Babina Noko coming close to scoring on multiple occasions.

In the closing minutes of the game, Maritzburg United were reduced to ten players after a red card was issued to Cross for a challenge in the penalty area. Sekhukhune United took advantage of their numerical superiority and secured the winning goal in the last five minutes of the game, with Sibusiso Vilakazi scoring from Letsoalo's delivery, securing the maximum points for his team.