Golden Arrows were held to a 0-0 draw by 10-man Polokwane City in a Betway Premiership clash at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday.
Abafana Bes’thende were unable to capitalise on having a man extra for 60 of the 90 minutes, as they recorded a third successive league draw and remained in eighth place on the log.
Rise and Shine extended their winless run to four matches, but will see this as a point earned rather than two dropped, as they reclaimed sixth spot from Durban City.
Polokwane’s Mokibelo Ramabu blew two great chances to give his side an early lead. Just 30 seconds after kick-off he capitalised on a defensive error and sent a low shot on target, but Arrows goalkeeper Edward Maova made a good save.
Ten minutes later Thabang Matuludi played a great cross from the right to pick out Ramabu at the far post, but the attacker only managed to spoon an awkward left-footed attempt off target to let the hosts off the hook again.
On the half-hour mark, Polokwane were reduced to 10 men when Matuludi was deservedly shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge in which he went studs up on the ankle of Nhlanhla Gasa.
Arrows, with a numerical advantage, made a triple change at the start of the second half, switching to a more attacking formation with the introductions of Siyanda Ndlovu, Mfanuvela Mafuleka and Nqobeko Dlamini.
Jerome Karelse and Sabelo Sithole were also thrown on by Abafana Bes’thende through the course of the second stanza, but they struggled to create good chances – several efforts were on target, but not challenging for goalkeeper Lindokuhle Mathebula.
In fact, Polokwane had an amazing chance in the 83rd minute when Tlou Nkwe did great work down the left flank before sending in a low cross for Ramabu, but once against the visitors’ No 7 missed out.
The teams will be back in Premiership action next Saturday, 16 May, with Polokwane at home to Marumo Gallants, and Arrows visiting Chippa United.
Golden Arrows 0
Polokwane City 0
Arrows: Maova, Shezi, Jiyane, Mabaso, Mantshiyane (Mafuleka 46’), Zwane, Cisse (Dlamini 46’), Ayabulela (Ndlovu 46’), Van Rooi (Karelse 67’), Gasa (Sithole 76’), Dion
Polokwane: Mathebula, Matuludi, Ramaja, Nkaki, Nkwe, Mnguni (Manthusi 63’), Kambala, Maphangule, Dlamini, Ramabu, Daniels
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