Golden Arrows defeated SuperSport United 1-0 in an Absa Premiership clash played at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
United were out of the blocks quickly when Kingston Nkhatha carved out an opening for Thabo Mnyamane, but the winger sliced his shot wide of the target.
Arrows, though, showed that they were just as determined and they were unfortunate when Danny Venter’s free-kick flew agonisingly wide of goal.
As play swung from end to end, Nkhatha had an opportunity to give United the lead, but blasted his effort over the bar.
With the match played in steaming conditions, the referee allowed for a water break after 20 minutes.
United, in a desperate desire for a change in fortune after a barren run of form, continued to pile on the pressure, with Thuso Phala drilling a chance wide and Tebogo Mokoena forcing a great save from Arrows goalkeeper Nkosingiphile Gumede.
Arrows were not to be outdone, though, and, just before the break, they had a gilt-edged opportunity, but Venter was again wide.
With United in need of some inspiration, coach Eric Tinkler jerked Mokoena and brought on the experience of Reneilwe Letsholonyane four minutes into the second half.
Mnyamane should then have scored, when in space from close range, but, again, he shot wide. Soon after, Mnyamane had another chance from a free-kick, but curled the shot over the bar.
In the 72nd minute, with United in search of a goal, Nkhatha was substituted and replaced by Darren Smith.
But, despite United’s pressure, invariably, as this game of football so often does, it was the opposition, Arrows, who broke free at the other end to net the deciding goal. United goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse couldn’t hold on to a shot from Venter, and Kudakwashe Mahachi pounced to steer in the rebound.
Stung, United piled on the pressure in a bid to get level, with Mnyamane again going close, but Arrows bravely hung on to take the three points.
Shout out to @mahachideneo for winning his first #Absaprem man of the match in this afternoons game against @SuperSportFC pic.twitter.com/apZsb44ib6
— Golden Arrows FC (@goldenarrowsfc1) January 14, 2018
