Golden Arrows piled more misery on KwaZulu-Natal rivals Maritzburg United after recording a 2-0 win at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday night.
DStv Premiership
Result: Maritzburg United 0-2 Golden Arrows
Date: 28 October 2022
Venue: Harry Gwala Stadium
Maritzburg made four changes to the side that suffered a humiliating defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns, as Lucky Baloyi, Rowan Human, Tumelo Njoti and Karim Kimvuidi were all recalled.
Arrows, meanwhile, made three alterations after their heavy loss against Royal AM, as Andile Fikizolo, Siyabonga Khumalo and Ryan Moon were brought back.
The Team of Choice started on a high note as Reagan Van der Ross had a golden chance on 12 minutes from a rebound in the six-yard box after goalkeeper Sifiso Mlungwana parried Friday Samu's header, but he fired his volley over the crossbar.
Abafana Bes'thende had a good response six minutes later, with Fikizolo going close to breaking the deadlock with a low strike across goal that sailed inches wide of the upright.
As the game opened up, Moon eventually broke the deadlock for the visitors shortly before the half-hour mark with a free header at the near post after a cross by Nelson Ndlovu.
John Maduka's charges were threatening to get back into the game but another quality cross and execution saw them head to the halftime break 2-0 down after Moon powered home a clinical header from Sbonelo Cele's cross.
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Arrows weathered the storm early in the second stanza, as Maritzburg were fired up and denied them clear opportunities.
Vusumuzi Vilakazi and Mabhuti Khenyeza made their intentions clear of holding out at the back and only look out for chances on counter-attacks, with the coaching staff reinforcing the defence, as Divine Lunga replaced Fikizolo.
Arrows had a good chance from a possession turnover five later after Pule Mmodi raced clear on goal towards the near post but his shot across goal could not get a teammate to apply a tap-in at the back post.
With the momentum on their side, Maduka also made a tactical switch to add numbers upfront in the last 15 minutes as Tawanda Macheke replaced Baloyi.
The Team of Choice remained persistent as Travis Graham had a chance to reduce the deficit in the dying minutes with a header at the back post that was kept out by Mlungwana.
Nevertheles, Arrows held on in the end to move up to seventh on the table while United remained in 14th spot, one point above the drop zone.
Here's how they lined up:
Maritzburg United: 1. Anye Derick, 5. Makume, 16. Ritchie, 35. Baloyi, 7. Van der Ross, 10. Human, 23. Moloisane, 12. Njoti, 28. Palace, 26. Kimvuidi, 20. Samu
Subs: 32. Leaner, 6. Graham, 18. Mashikinya, 18. Macheke, 37. Sepeng, 24. Bhengu, 21. Skelem, 17. Conco, 29. Masia
Golden Arrows: 36. Mlungwana, 30. Cele, 34. Fikizolo, 27. Nxadi, 37. Ndlovu, 11. Sibiya, 9. Moon, 24. Dlamini, 13. Mmodi, 15. Zuke, 4. Khumalo
Subs: 32. Gumede, 12. Ndwandwe, 5. Shitolo, 35. Mantshiyane, 2. Gumbi, 26. Magubane, 3. Lunga, 25. Nkosi, 23. Dube
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