Taariq Fielies of AmaZulu FC challenges Edward Maova (GK) of Lamontville Golden Arrows during the Betway Premiership match at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday night.
Image: BackpagePix
AmaZulu FC - 1
Golden Arrows - 1
AmaZulu had to settle for an extremely disappointing 1-1 draw against Lamontville Golden Arrows in a Betway Premiership match at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday, after essentially throwing the game away in the dying minutes.
Usuthu could have easily delivered another five-goal victory but lacked composure in their movements and as a result had to split the points.
The draw puts AmaZulu back in fourth place after Sekhukhune United slipped past them.
The opening 10 minutes of the match saw Arrows put the hosts under pressure inside their own half, with Themba Matshiyane finding heaps of space just outside Usuthu's box.
Isaac Cisse made a bold run through the centre of the park to win Arrows a freekick just outside the penalty area in the 12th minute as Siyanda Ndlovu stepped up to deliver their first shot at goal.
Usuthu responded to the pressure by taking the lead after Sandile Mthethwa put a peach of a header in the back of the net from a corner. Arrows piled the pressure back onto AmaZulu after conceding but still couldn't get that final touch into the back of the net.
AmaZulu looked shaky in defence, despite being in the lead, giving the ball away twice. Mondli Mbanjwa almost put the hosts 2-0 up but missed a sitter in the 35th minute.
Both teams came alive at the death of the first half but neither finding the second goal of the match. AmaZulu had enough chances to take a bigger lead, to at least 3-0, but couldn't capitalise on any one of their numerous chances.
Thapelo Mathloko returned the gift that Arrows gave to him inside the penalty area, denying his team the first real chance to further the lead in the second half. Even coach Arthur Zwane was in disbelief.
Arrows were chasing the game in the second 45, as Usuthu kept pushing forward but without luck. The few opportunities Arrows moved forward with often lacked poise and intent. Abafana Besthende didn't look lethal on the attacking front.
Both Zwane and Manqoba Mngqithi looked visibly frustrated with their teams performance on the sidelines. But eventually - Mngqithi had something to smile about after Jerome Karelse headed home the equaliser in the 95th minute.
Jehran Naidoo is sports reporter for Independent Media and social media coordinator of the our YouTube channel The Clutch.