Lamontville Golden Arrows scored early, then absorbed pressure for almost three-quarters of the match, to run out 1-0 winners over Maritzburg United at Woodburn Stadium in Pietermaritzburg on Wednesday.
Arrows, the only team still unbeaten in the Absa premiership, extended their run to six matches.
It was newly promoted United’s first home game in Pietermaritzburg since their return to the Premiership.
Arrows opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Kagisho Senamela’s pass from central midfield found Richard Henyekane free to turn and bury his shot past United goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap. United started weakly, and allowed some large gaps at the back early on. But the home team found their feet in the last 20 minutes and created a number of chances that they could not profit from.
Brice Aka headed well over for Maritzburg from Sipho Mngomezulu’s cross, Sam Ndlovu’s powerful 35m shot sailed inches over, and Peter Petersen¹s close-range shot was saved by Arrows keeper Helton Da Rocha, as the home team pushed for an equaliser.
United’s best chance came three minutes from normal time as another cross from Mngomezulu was taken on the chest by Lucky Maselesele, and the substitute’s volley was kept out by a superb reflex save the Arrows keeper. — Sapa