Sithole strikes late to boost Golden Arrows’ Top 8 hopes

Sabelo Sithole came off the bench to snatch a late winner, as Golden Arrows claimed a hard-fought victory over Sekhukhune United in their Betway Premiership clash at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi on Sunday afternoon.

With the match seemingly drifting towards a stalemate, Sithole struck with under 10 minutes remaining, rifling his effort past Renaldo Leaner to secure a rare 1-0 home win for Abafana Bes’thende and keep their Top 8 hopes alive.

Arrows dominated large spells of the contest, controlling possession and territory, with youngster Nhlanhla Gasa showing confidence following his midweek goal against Stellenbosch FC. Lungelo Nguse had the best opening of the first half but could only find the side-netting when a square pass looked the better option.

Both sides struggled to find fluency in the final third. Sekhukhune, in particular, were limited to long-range efforts that failed to trouble goalkeeper Edward Maova, while their attacking options were further reduced when veteran striker Bradley Grobler was stretchered off inside the opening 20 minutes. Debutant Olerato Mandi was introduced in his place.

At the back, Arrows skipper Ayanda Jiyane produced a composed display, cutting out any potential threats as the hosts remained largely in control.

Nguse spurned another chance early in the second half, firing over the bar, before Maova produced a superb save to deny Matlala Makgalwa on the counter. The game began to open up, with Nguse later seeing a snap shot blocked.

Arrows introduced top scorer Junior Dion in the 64th minute, and he nearly made an immediate impact but failed to guide a corner on target. However, it was fellow substitute Sithole who proved decisive, delivering a clinical finish late on to finally break the deadlock and hand Arrows a deserved three points.

SCOREBOARD

Golden Arrows (0) 1

Sithole 82

Sekhukhune United 0