Arubi’s TTM win again
WASHINGTON Arubi’s Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila registered back-to-back wins in the DStv Premiership with a 1-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC yesterday afternoon.
Stellies handed Phathutshedzo Nange a start, whilst goalkeeper Sage Stephens continued in goal from the 3-1 loss to Golden Arrows last Friday with Ibraheem Jabaar given a debut.
Vhadau Vhadamani struggled to get the momentum early on, as Stellies enjoyed the lion share of openings up front whilst they edged the possession stakes too.
That sequence of play from the host soon evaporated after Stephens nicked a free-kick from outside the area against the crossbar only for Thembisani Nevhulamba to tap in the rebound.
Stanley Dimgba, who conceded the foul that led to the opener was withdrawn following the half-hour mark for Ashley du Preez.
The substitution injected more fire in the host closer to half time as a ball from Du Preez spotted Mogamad de Goede in a promising position, but the centre-half failed to profit.
Another substitution from the away side followed ahead of the restart, with Leletu Skelem hauled off for Dean van Rooyen.
Stellies pushed the host to the edge a little later through smart off–the-ball movements in and around the final third, but couldn’t finish off the few half-chances that came their way.
A pin-point corner-kick from Marc van Heerden towards the closing minutes found the lead of De Goede, but failed to beat goalkeeper Washington Arubi.
Arubi was brought to more work late on through a firing shot from Du Preez, but parried to guide his side to backto-back league wins for the first time this season.