Baroka FC have kept their hopes of DStv Premiership survival alive with a clutch 1-0 win over Golden Arrows at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Wednesday evening.
A first-half penalty from Bonginkosi Makume secured just a fifth win of the season for Bakgaga ba Mphahlele, who remained in last place on the log but have moved to within two points of second-from-bottom Swallows FC.
Abafana Bes’thende, meanwhile, missed out on the chance to rise into the top half of the table, as they remained in ninth place after suffering an eighth defeat of the campaign.
Arrows had the first shot in anger, with Nduduzo Sibiya combining with Velemseni Ndwandwe in the sixth minute before getting away an effort on target, but Baroka goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane made a fine save.
Another effort from the visitors arrived in the 15th minute when a Sibiya corner kick led to a shot for Siboniso Conco, but Mabokgwane was again on hand to make the save and keep the scores level early in the game.
Baroka had their first notable attacking moment just past the midway point of the first half, with a flick-on from a throw-in giving Sekela Sithole a sight of goal, but his effort was straight at Arrows’ Sifiso Mlungwana.
Just after the half hour mark Baroka were awarded a penalty for a foul in the Arrows 18-yard area by Conco. Bonginkosi Makume took the spot kick and beat Mlungwana to put the hosts 1-0 up.
Arrows responded well to going behind and had several chances to level the game up to half time, including an effort from Ntsikelelo Nxadi which was cleared off the line, as well as from Sibiya and Michael Gumede.
However, Bakgaga managed to hold firm in defence and head into the interval with a one-goal advantage.
Arrows came out strong at the start of the second half, with Saziso Magawana going on a powerful solo run before being brought down in the penalty area – though no spot kick was awarded to the visitors.
The Durban side piled on the pressure – and shuffled their pack in attack by introducing Pule Mmodi and Knox Mutizwa off the bench – but Baroka were resilient in defence and effective in wasting time and breaking their opponents' rhythm.
Arrows created plenty of half chances, but Baroka’s defence did well to ensure that Mabokgwane was fairly well protected and they held out for a clean sheet – as well as a vital victory which could go a long way in avoiding direct relegation.
The teams will return to DStv Premiership action this Saturday (7 May), with Baroka visiting Chippa United and Arrows away to Marumo Gallants.
Baroka FC (1) 1 (Makume 33’ pen)
Golden Arrows 0
Baroka:<.b> Mabokgwane, Masiya, Makume, Shozi, Ngubane, Ndlovu (Mphahlele 61’), Bobete, Kambala, Sithole (Farmer 74’), Monama (Makgopa 60’), Mbulu (Goldstone 80’)
Arrows: Mlungwana, Ndlovu, Zuke, Nxadi, Mantshiyane, L. Dube, Ndwandwe, Conco (Mmodi 61’), Sibiya, Magawana (Mutizwa 74’), M. Gumede