Wednesday night delivered drama and determination in the Betway Premiership as Golden Arrows clawed back from behind to snatch a thrilling 2–1 win over Magesi FC, while Sekhukhune United dug deep to earn a gritty 1–1 draw against AmaZulu, preserving their unbeaten start to the season.
Golden Arrows fight back
Maegsi FC made a bright start during their clash with Golden Arrows, taking the lead after just ten minutes when Thabang Sibanyoni’s clever first-time pass released Mcedi Vandala, who calmly slotted past debutant goalkeeper Xolani Ngcobo.
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Nevertheless, the hosts struck back almost instantly as in-form forward Sede Dion continued his hot streak, netting his third goal in as many games to restore parity.
Magesi were dealt a blow before half-time when Vandala, their scorer, was forced off injured and replaced by Kgothatso Mariba.
They still threatened, with Wonderboy Makhubu heading narrowly wide shortly after the half-hour mark and later sending another header just over the bar in the second half.
Arrows, meanwhile, named youngster Andiswa Booysen in their match day squad and came close when Kamara’s snap shot was dramatically cleared off the goal-line.
With the match seemingly destined for a draw, substitute Nqubeko Dlamini had the final say deep into stoppage time. Beating the offside trap, he calmly guided his effort into the bottom corner to seal all three points for the hosts.
Sekhukhune avoid defeat against AmaZulu to stay unbeaten
Sekhukhune United preserved their unbeaten start to the Betway Premiership season after coming from behind to secure a 1–1 draw with AmaZulu on Wednesday night.
Eric Tinkler’s men had entered the contest without conceding in their first three league matches, but that record was broken in the 20th minute when Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya struck his first goal of the campaign.
The AmaZulu forward converted calmly after excellent work down the flank by Andiswa Sithole, who had been drafted into the starting line-up in place of Tebogo Mashigo.
Sekhukhune, who made several changes of their own with Miguel Timm, Tshepo Mokoena and Chibuike Ohizu recalled, were forced to push for an equaliser.
Chances were limited, with Tariq Fielies producing a crucial block to deny them just after the hour mark.
AmaZulu suffered a setback in the second half when goalkeeper Darren Johnson went off injured, replaced by youngster Olwethu Mzimela for only his second appearance of the season.
Arthur Zwane’s side had teenagers Thandanani Mhlongo and Rocco Rocha among the substitutes but ultimately failed to hold their lead.
Six minutes from time, off-season signing Ronaldo Maarman made the difference, netting his first goal for Sekhukhune to rescue a point.
Usuthu’s evening worsened when Riaan Hanamub was sent off in stoppage time, ending the game with ten men.