Ten-man Arrows down AmaTuks

Cape Town - A goal from Rodney Ramagalela earned 10-man Golden Arrows a hard-fought 1-0 victory over AmaTuks in their Absa Premiership encounter at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday.

Both teams got off to a fairly good start, with the two midfields providing a nice battle in the middle of the park. The home side began to gain some momentum as the half progressed but their shot-stopper, Maximilian Mbaevu, was forced into a one-on-one foul in the 23rd minute which led to the goalkeeper’s sending off.

Gladwin Shitolo was on target after 23 minutes of play but Washington Arubi was alert in goal and made a comfortable save to deny the marksman.

AmaTuks started to find their feet as the half was reaching its final moments, but Ramagalela had other ideas as he received a pass from Mwape Musonda before slotting home the game’s opener to give Arrows a 1-0 lead to take into the half-time break.

The University of Pretoria came out an improved outfit in the second stanza, throwing everything they had into the attacks in search of an early second half goal to draw level, but the Arrows defence held on.

Vukile Mngqibisa came close with a 53rd minute free-kick but his shot was only inches wide of the upright. The visitors continued to look threatening but chances created were not converted.

The midfield battle was proving to be an interesting and key affair as both sides tried to retain possession in pushing forward. The visitors were having countless attacks on goal in the second half but just could not get that final shot into the back of the net.

Khethukuthula Zwane almost grabbed the equaliser in the 85th minute but substitute goalkeeper Philani Zikalala did well to parry the ball and keep the score at 1-0 with only a few minutes remaining.

Abafana Bes’thende held off the AmaTuks attacks in the final moments of the match to claim a 1-0 victory, announcing their top-flight return with maximum points.