KZN derby produces a goalless stalemate

DURBAN: Golden Arrows and Maritzburg United played to a 0-0 draw in an Absa Premiership fixture at the Princess Magogo Stadium yesterday afternoon.

After a cagey opening, in which both teams sussed each other out, it was Arrows’ Nduduzo Sibiya who tried his luck from distance, but the attempt was easily dealt with by Maritzburg goalkeeper Richard Ofori.

In typical derby fashion, both teams weren’t afraid to have a go at each other. Arrows, though, again went close when some nice interplay between Kudakwashe Mahachi and Velemseni Ndwandwe created a threatening situation, but the defence was able to clear.

It was a tight affair, but the opportunities when they came in the opening 45 minutes, fell to Arrows, with Ndwandwe shooting over the bar, Knox Mutizwa heading wide and Thomas Chideu drilling an effort off-target.

In the second half, though, Maritzburg came out with greater fight and commitment, and created quite a few chances. Mohau Mokate went close and, later, Evans Rusike was desperately unlucky not to score.

Arrows looked for more thrust in attack by bringing on Lerato Lamola in place of Chideu.

Mokate then had another opportunity for the Team of Choice, but his headed effort flew narrowly wide of goal.

Maritzburg then made two quick substitutions, with Sheldon van Wyk coming on for Mokate, and Bandile Shandu replacing Deolin Mekoa. Van Wyk quickly made his presence felt as he produced an intelligent pass to release Lebohang Maboe into the penalty area, but the attacker was foiled by brilliant tackle from Limbikani Mzava.

With both teams trying to snatch a late winner, Arrows’ Siphelele Magubane attempted a long range shot, but the ball screamed over the bar.

In the end, neither was able to break the deadlock, and a draw was a fitting result.