Arrows aim to break winless streak

by Graeme Jackson

Monday Sep 17, 2018. 11:50

Golden Arrows will aim to break their winless streak in the Absa Premiership when they host Mamelodi Sundowns at Princess Magogo Stadium on 19 September 2018, kick-off at 19h30.

Arrows have gone four league matches without a victory after they were beaten 2-1 away from home by Highlands Park on September 16. Their only win came on the opening weekend when they defeated Maritzburg United.

Abafana Bes’thende’s two home matches this season have brought a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Bloemfontein Celtic and a 1-1 draw with Polokwane City.

Sundowns are unbeaten in the league this season, but recorded a third draw from their four outings when they were held 3-3 at AmaZulu on September 16 – Phakamani Mahlambi, Toni Silva and Sibusiso Vilakazi netted their goals in Durban.

The Brazilians’ two away games in 2018/19 have brought them a 2-0 win at Polokwane City and the above-mentioned draw with Usuthu.

In head-to-head stats, Arrows and Sundowns have met in 34 league matches since 2000/01. The Brazilians have claimed 17 wins compared to nine for Abafana Bes’thende, while eight matches have been drawn. The Durban side has won seven of their 17 home matches against their Tshwane counterparts, suffering eight defeats in the process.

Last season ‘Downs completed a league ‘double’ over Arrows by winning 1-0 both home and away. Defenders Bangaly Soumahoro and Nascimento scored the goals for the Brazilians.

Arrows’ line-up from their 2-1 loss to Highlands on September 16: Gumede, Sibisi, Mzava, Mngwengwe, Lunga, Conco (Phiri 34’), Molefe, Venter, Mabubane (Lamola 59’), Sibeko (Moreira 72’), Mutizwa.

Sundowns’ line-up from their 3-3 draw with AmaZulu: Pieterse, Ngcongca, Arendse, Nascimento, Langerman, Maboe, Kekana, Jali (Lakay 78') Meza (Vilakazi 75'), Mahlambi, Silva (Morena 82').