The KwaZulu-Natal derby delivered a tightly contested encounter as Golden Arrows secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Durban City FC at the King Zwelithini Stadium.
Abafana Bes’thende showed early intent, finding the back of the net as early as the fourth minute through Junior Dion, but celebrations were cut short after the goal was ruled offside. Arrows continued to apply pressure, with Gasa’s effort in the 12th minute being cleared off the line by Ncanana to deny the hosts an early breakthrough.
Durban City gradually grew into the game and nearly opened the scoring in the 18th minute, but goalkeeper Maova produced a crucial save to keep the scores level.
The breakthrough finally came in the 37th minute when Cisse found the back of the net to give Arrows a deserved lead. The forward remained lively throughout the half and nearly doubled the advantage before the break, but his 44th-minute effort went wide. Durban City also had a late chance in the first half through Thabo Nodada, whose attempt drifted off target.
The visitors responded with intent after the interval, making a double substitution at halftime as Luphumlo Sifumba and Jean Lubumba were introduced to inject fresh energy.
Despite the changes, Arrows continued to threaten, with Cisse again going close in the 51st minute.
Durban City pushed hard for an equaliser, earning back-to-back corner kicks in the 54th minute, but failed to capitalise. Sifumba later tested Maova, but his effort was comfortably saved.
Arrows made a triple substitution on the hour mark, bringing on Nguse, Sithole, and Lukhele to maintain their intensity. The hosts nearly extended their lead in the 74th minute, but a crucial save from Keet kept Durban City within reach.
Moments later, Durban City captain Ncanana had a golden opportunity to level matters with a header, but Maova once again stood firm between the posts.
In the end, Arrows held on to claim all three points in a hard-fought derby victory.
Speaking after the match, Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi praised his side’s performance:
“One must appreciate the win. We started the game well, and we respected the structure and the principles.”
The result sees Golden Arrows strengthen their position, while Durban City will look to regroup after falling short in a fiercely contested provincial showdown.
Elsewhere, AmaZulu FC were held to a 1-1 draw by Bloemfontein Celtic at the Dr Molemela Stadium, in another Betway Premiership encounter, as both sides shared the spoils in Bloemfontein.
image: Durban City