Arrows add to Sundowns’ woes
DOWNS were desperate to return to winning ways following their defeat to Mpumalanga Black Aces nearly three weeks ago in their first loss of the campaign. But they found a hard-running Arrows side determined to keep the title contenders at bay, having recently been promoted from the National First Division.
It was a typical day at the office for referee Victor Gomes.
Gomes, loathed by many local coaches and fans for what some have called being “decisive”, flashed more than the fair share of yellow cards and one sending off that left Downs with 10-men for the lion’s share of this tricky encounter.
In just 18 minutes, the Brazilians not only found themselves trailing by a single goal — thanks to a penalty by former player Mabhuti Khenyeza — but also having a numerical disadvantage after midfielder Bongani Zungu was given his marching orders.
The spot-kick awarded by Gomes was a bit soft, with the referee concluding that goalkeeper Dennis Onyango had fouled Rodney Ramagalela. It was, in fact, Ivorian debutant Soumahoro Bangaly, finally registered by the club during the international break, whose miscommunication with the keeper gave Arrows the advantage.
Onyango went into the referee’s book and Khenyeza gave Downs the lead.
The Brazilians could have taken the lead when Khama Billiat failed to score from close range after Tebogo Langerman’s pinpoint cross in the 10th minute. Credit has to go to Arrows keeper Philani Zikalala for the double save that kept his side in the game.
Arrows would go on to have the last laugh and one of the most entertaining games of the season so far.
In the second half, Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane rang the changes by bringing on Wayne Arendse and Themba Zwane for inefficient Bangaly and Cuthbert Malajila.
It spurred them on — at least for a while. Zwane bagged the equaliser with literally his first touch when he connected with a low-cross from Keagan Dolly. Suddenly, the Arrows fans were silenced and it seemed Downs had the upper hand.
And then it was Mosimane’s counterpart, former Bafana Bafana assistant Serame Letsoaka’s turn to make the necessary changes. The Arrows coach called on Ryan Chapman to replace winger Andile Fikizolo on the hour mark. Like he had calculated the move, Chapman secured maximum points with a welltaken strike after just 10 minutes on the pitch.