Jerome Karelse’s 94th-minute header rescued a vital point for Golden Arrows in a tense Durban Derby. While coach Manqoba Mngqithi admitted his side were "lethargic" early on, that last-gasp equaliser keeps their Top 8 dreams very much alive. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
With three crucial games left before their Betway Premiership fate is sealed, Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi accepted the single point from Wednesday night's draw against AmaZulu with grace.
"I am happy with the point. We could have got nothing based on our performance," Mngqithi said, after their encounter at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
It was a first half Mngqithi would probably want to forget but the second 45 minutes of the game is where his team came alive dramatically — eventually scoring an equaliser in the last seconds of the match through a Jerome Karelse header.
For AmaZulu, coach Arthur Zwane said splitting points after leading for 94 minutes felt like a loss. And it should, mainly because the three points could have closed the gap on Kaizer Chiefs — who drew with Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday.
For Arrows, though, a win would have catapulted them into sixth place in the league, above Durban City and Polokwane City — but Abafana Bes'thende couldn't seize the opportunity. Now Siwelele and Stellenbosch United peck at their heels as Arrows gatekeep the Top 8 spot going into the final run of matches.
"I was very unhappy with the first half because we knew they would be sitting in a medium to low block from the start of the game," Mngqithi said.
"We trained the team to deal with that situation and force them to make mistakes. But we were a little lethargic and didn't move enough.
"We didn't create openings and made a lot of unnecessary back passes, so at half-time, I made three changes. (Jerome) Karelse, (Nhlanhla) Gasa, and (Ayabulela) Maxwele in the first half — I brought them on because I thought they were going to inject a little bit of mobility. They came in and gave a very good account of themselves."
Now they must prepare for a tough match against a resolute Polokwane City — who will not want to give up their new Top 8 spot anytime soon. Arrows have the advantage of playing at home at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 3pm), instead of travelling to Limpopo, which has become a fortress for Rise and Shine.
"AmaZulu could have easily punished us in the first half. But they didn't, and I think Polokwane City are similar to AmaZulu," Mngqithi explained. "They sit back and look to punish you on the counter.
"They have a stable 11 that they regularly play and have a lot of players who can score. They have been consistent for more than four seasons now, so they understand each other quite well, but also have some shortcomings