AmaZulu and Arrows settle for a share of the spoils in KZN derby
AMAZULU and Golden Arrows settled for a share of the spoils in the KwaZulu-Natal derby yesterday at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in a 1-1 stalemate.
The point was more valuable for Abafana Bes’thende as they continued in their pursuit of a top-eight finish. Usuthu will have to fight it out to avoid relegation in their last three league matches.
They are now seven points clear of bottom team Maritzburg United.
Usuthu broke the deadlock as early as the 11th minute, when Sedat Okoriko headed his team into the lead with a thumping header from Siyethemba Sithebe’s quality delivery on the left-hand side.
AmaZulu came close to doubling their lead following a lovely move between Thembela Sikhakhane and Siphesihle Maduna, but poor execution by Ovidy Karuru saw the ball sailing over the bar.
Usuthu scored from a corner kick while Arrows equalised from a free kick.
Five minutes after Usuthu took the lead, the equaliser came from an unexpected recipient for Arrows as Divine Lunga levelled matters for the home side. AmaZulu were caught flat footed at the back.
Richard Matloga struck the post from a free kick at the edge of the box and the ball fell into the path of Lunga who reacted quickest to fire his side’s back into the game.
The game was played at a frenetic pace, with both teams asking questions of each other. Sibusiso Sibeko missed a sitter after 26 minutes.
Sibeko fired his attempt over the bar with only Usuthu’s goalkeeper Siyabonga Mbatha to beat.
Bongi Ntuli caused all sorts of problems for Arrows with his ability to hold onto the ball.
But although the young Maduna was the star of the show in the middle of the park in the first half, but ran out of steam in the second.
Coach Steve Komphela made a change immediately after the interval. He introduced Knox Mutizwa and sacrificed Matloga.
Michael Morton fluffed a glorious opportunity to put his team in the lead.
He ballooned his effort over the bar. It was easier to score than miss.
Both teams pushed hard for the winner, but unfortunately it didn’t come as they had to settle for a share of the spoils in an entertaining KZN derby.