Arrows’ winless run continues

by Staff Reporter

Saturday Sep 22, 2018. 17:45

Golden Arrows’ winless run in the Absa Premiership continued on Saturday when they were held 0-0 at Princess Magogo Stadium by Chippa United.

Abafana Bes’thende have gone six games without a victory in the league, but the result still saw them move up one place to 11th on the log with six points from seven matches, and the Chilli Boys also jump one spot to 13th with five points from six matches.

Arrows had the first shot in anger, with Lerato Lamola sending an effort across the face of goal in the second minute, but the hosts soon needed their left-back Divine Lunga to make a crucial defensive play as Kurt Lentjies looked to take advantage of goalkeeper Nkosingiphile Gumede having come too far off his line.

The teams then traded off-target long-range shots, before the hosts needed Gumede to make two fine saves in the latter stages of the first half – first the ‘keeper turned away an effort from the in-form Andile Mbenyane in the 37th minute, and then he was on hand to deny Kabelo Seakanyeng in the 43rd.

Arrows created the first chance of the second half, as a slick move opened space for Lerato Lamola to shoot on target, but his effort was comfortably handled by Daniel Akpeyi. The Durban side were positive in their substitutions, boosting their attack with the introductions of Nduduzo Sibiya and Wayde Jooste, while Sandile Zuke gave them ballast in the middle of the park.

Chippa also gave their forward ambitions a boost with the presence of Thamsanqa Sangweni and Lerato Manzini, but it was the hosts who looked the likelier scorers in the dying minutes. The Chilli Boys needed their goalkeeper to be at his best, especially when he tipped over an 89th minute drive from Lunga which looked destined for the back of the net.

Arrows and Chippa will only return to league action early next month, with matches away to Orlando Pirates and at home to Free State Stars respectively.

Golden Arrows 0
Chippa United 0

Arrows: Gumede, Sibisi, Mngwengwe, Mzava, Lunga, Venter, Phiri, Molefe (S. Zuke 58’), Sibeko (Jooste 71’), Lamola (Sibiya 58’), Mutizwa

Chippa: Akpeyi, Malepe (Sangweni 65’), Nthethe, Nsabiyumva, Macheke, Rakhale, Komane, Tlolane, Seakanyeng (Makobela 55’), Lentjies, (Manzini 73’) Mbenyane