Golden Arrows fought back to come from behind in the Betway Premiership and share the points with Marumo Gallants in a 1-1 draw played at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Arrows began the match confidently and almost opened the scoring as early as the second minute, with Nduduzo Sibiya’s shot on goal. Luckily for Gallants, Washington Arubi was on high alert to make the save.
Junior Dion would also get an opportunity on the other end for Gallants after receiving a lobbed pass from midfield, but his shot was well off target in the 11th minute.
Daniel Msendami was subsequently then able to take advantage of Arrows keeper Edgar Maova coming out of the posts prematurely, but his effort hit the side netting.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa continued pushing to grab the first goal of the game and came close when the pressure got to Nhlanhla Zwane, who conceded a penalty as he brought down Masindi Nemtajela in the box.
Edgar Manaka was tasked with taking the spot kick in the 28th minute, but his penalty was easily saved by Maova, as his shot was too weak to pose any real challenge.
Although Abafana Bes’Thende dominated ball possession, their efforts in front of goal did not match those of the home team.
Gallants finally found the breakthrough just before half-time through Junior Dion’s second effort on goal, as the forward made the most of the square pass he received in the box from Nemtajela.
Manqoba Mngqithi made a few changes in the beginning of the second half to change the trajectory of the game for Arrows and it certainly paid off in the 52nd minute.
Khumbulani Ncube was unable to deal with Bongani Cele on the wing, and challenged him in the penalty area, leading to the referee awarding a spot kick to the away team. Nduduzo Sibiya converted from the spot for 1-1.
Gabadinho Mhango would also have a chance on goal on the other end on the half volley in the 73rd, but his effort went way over the crossbar, adding to Gallants’ frustration as they tried to get back into the lead.
The match ultimately ended all square in the Free State, with the two sides sharing the spoils in the league clash played in Bloemfontein.
Marumo Gallants (1) 1 (Dion 44’)
Golden Arrows (0) 1 (Sibiya (P) 52’)
Marumo Gallants: W. Arubi, K. Ncube, M. Mathiane, V. Sibiya, L. Mabotja, S. Sithole (T. Mokobodi 70’), E. Manaka, K. Mahlatsi, M. Nemtajela, D. Msendami, J. Dion (G. Mhango 69’)
Golden Arrows: E. Maova, S. Cele, G. Shitolo, J. Mwengani, K. Phillips (S. Sithole 46’), S. Kobedi (N. Nxadi 85’), N. Zwane (B. Theron 46’), N. Sibiya (K. Mutizwa 85’), V. Ndwandwe, S. Mthanti, K. Malinga (B. Cele 85’)