AmaZulu And Arrows Share Spoils In The Durban Derby

AmaZulu and Golden Arrows played out a goalless draw in their Betway Premiership match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, a first in 13 years.

The last goalless draw between these two teams at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on a Saturday occurred in 2012.

Despite the goalless scoreline, AmaZulu came close to snatching a victory. In the 80th minute, Etiosa Ighodaro’s shot from six yards rattled the crossbar after a flowing move initiated by Rowan Human and culminating in a cross from Riaan Hanamub.

With four minutes remaining, Tshepang Moremi thought he had scored the winner for Usuthu, but the linesman flagged him offside. The decision appeared marginal.

This result was disappointing for both teams, considering their high-scoring encounters last season. AmaZulu won 3-1 in the first round, while Arrows avenged that defeat with a 3-1 victory in the final game of the season.

Another goal-fest was expected, but the game started with a flurry of chances for AmaZulu. Human, seemingly rejuvenated, cut inside the box, but his shot was parried by Arrows goalkeeper Ismail Watenga. Subsequent efforts from Hendrick Ekstein and others also struck the crossbar.

Bongani Zungu, who joined AmaZulu alongside Sandile Mthethwa last month after leaving Mamelodi Sundowns, made his first appearance for the club from the bench.

Arrows also created opportunities. Siyanda Mthanti blazed a shot wide after finding himself unmarked inside the box, suggesting an open game.

Ryan Moon came close to catching Richard Ofori off guard with a snap shot in the 31st minute, but his effort sailed over the bar. Arrows appeared to gain ascendancy at this point, dominating the midfield. Ofori made a couple of crucial saves to keep his side in the game.

However, the tempo of the game slowed considerably, with fewer clear-cut chances in the remainder of the first half.

In the 66th minute, Arrows thought they had scored when Siyanda Mthanti was played through by Angelo van Rooi, but the linesman flagged him offside.

AmaZulu then had two excellent opportunities to break the deadlock. Ighodaro’s shot struck the crossbar, followed by Moremi’s disallowed goal.

The draw leaves AmaZulu in 11th place with 13 points from 11 matches. Arrows remain in eighth position with 15 points after 11 games.