Golden Arrows completed a second-half comeback to beat KwaZulu-Natal rivals Maritzburg United 2-1 in a 2020-21 DStv Premiership match at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont on Saturday.
Thasbiso Kutumela had given the visitors a narrow lead at the break, but goals from Lindokuhle Mtshali and Knox Mutizwa led Abafana Bes’thende to victory and up to 22 points, level with Cape Town City in fifth and eight ponts behind the league leaders. Defeat leaves Maritzburg in 14th and stuck on nine points with Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila and Black Leopards.
The Team of Choice went into the halftime interval a goal up following a 36th minute opener from Kutumela. Judas Moseamedi found his strike-partner with a precise cutback and Kutumela made no mistake in side-footing the ball into the back of the net.
Arrows pulled level in the 55th minute as Mtshali provided the desired impact off the bench. Mutizwa’s cross looped into the air and into his path and with no moment’s hesitation, Mtshali powered home on the volley.
Provider turned scorer soon after as Arrows hit the front with 70 minutes on the clock. Divine Lunga burst into the area down the left flank before firing a low cross into a dangerous area and after Mtshali had his initial effort blocked, Mutizwa pounced on the rebound for his second goal in as many matches.
Arrows had several chances to extend their lead and were almost made to rue their missed opportunities as Sibusiso Hlubi headed the ball onto the crossbar with five minutes remaining, but in the end the hosts had done enough to claim local bragging and all three points.
Golden Arrows (0) 2 (Mtshali 55′ Mutizwa 77′)Maritzburg United (1) 1 (Kutumela 36′)
Golden Arrows: Mlungwana; Ndlovu (Zuke 45+1′), Parusnath, Gumede (Sabelo 68′), Mathiane (Phiri 76′), M.Dube, Makhubela, Lunga, Mmodi, L.Dube (Mtshali 45+1′), Mutizwa.
Maritzburg United: Mpandle; Allie, Ismail, Tlolane (Hachi 62′), Morgan, Graham (Modise 79′), Buchanan, Claasen (Hlubi 79′), Bhengu (Sanoka 26′), Kutumela (Meza 62′), Moseamedi.© Backpage TXT.
SOURCED FROM THE PSL WEBSITE.
