At Saturday afternoon’s KwaZulu-Natal derby, Golden Arrows and Royal AM split the spoils with a 1-1 tie.
Initial preference Motebang Sera, Shadrack Kobedi, and Mondli Mpoto set out the visiting eleven, while Sifiso Mlungwana was replaced by Olufemi Kayode in the significant alteration for Arrows.
When Mpoto moved quickly out of the area to divert Nhlanhla Zwane from making the breakthrough early on, he made his presence felt on minute five.
Sebastián Sera attempted to take advantage of a header in the box seven minutes apart, but his attempt was not successful.
In the fourteenth minute, Zukile Mkhize’s snapshot from Lungelo Nguse found its way into their own net, giving Abafana Besthende the advantage, albeit in unlucky circumstances.
Following the call for a water break, Abafana Besthende was in control and gave Thwihli Thwahla permission to advance and attempt a couple of shots.
But as halftime approached, the traveling team had to make a substitution. Khulekani Shezi took Mkhize’s place after the latter was stretchered out due to a knock.
Alternate After five minutes Shezi showed up on the near side and curled a first-time effort into the top corner, making good on his arrival.
Both teams had opportunities as the match progressed, but no team was able to take advantage of them. It was a closely contested match.
A curling free-kick from a tight angle by Ruzaigh Gamildien almost gave Abafana Besthende a second goal in the closing minutes, but it struck the side netting instead.
In the end, the provincial rivals split the rewards as the winner remained unidentified despite their best attempts.
Confirmed line-ups:
Golden Arrows: Kayode, Cele , Mantshiyane, Shitolo, Theron, Mthanti, Mutizwa, Sibiya, Dube, Zwane, Nguse
Subs: Watenga, Zuke, Mwengani, Malinga , Tlolane, Ncube , Moon, Van Rooi
Royal AM: Mpoto, Jiyane, Mabuza, Matlaba, Mkhize, Msomi, Kobedi, Mahlasela, Maxwele, Mashiane, Sera
Subs: Nyame, Manganyi, Shezi, Masuku, Ncobeni, Mpisane, Thikazi, Ndlovu, Gamildien
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