SSU, Arrows share the spoils in second round meeting

03 April, 2024

First Team

Golden Arrows came from two goals down to record a 2-2 stalemate with SuperSport United at the Mpumalanga Stadium in the DStv Premiership on Wednesday night, as Matsatsantsa recorded their fifth straight draw in the league.

SSU, Arrows share the spoils in second round meeting

Golden Arrows came from two goals down to record a 2-2 stalemate with SuperSport United at the Mpumalanga Stadium in the DStv Premiership on Wednesday night, as Matsatsantsa recorded their fifth straight draw in the league.

 

Ime Okon and Terrence Dzvukamanja put SSU in the driving seat all the way to the break, however, Steve Komphela’s halftime team talk appeared to have inspired his side, as goals by Lungelo Nguse and Gladwin Shitolo saw Arrows oversee a dramatic comeback.

With the first-half whistle blown at the Mpumalanga Stadium, SuperSport edged the home side to the ball possession count during the first 10 minutes of the game. In making the most of their early pressure, SSU took the lead just as the clock hit the 10th minute.

Following a corner situation, Shandre Campbell swung in a whipping ball toward the near post which was met by Ime Okon, who guided the ball home with a powerful header from close range.

Matsatsantsa continued to dominate play after taking the lead while Arrows battled to make it out of their own quarters for much of the first half and played the majority of their football on the edge of their own 18-yard-area.

SuperSport then doubled their advantage on the stroke of halftime, following a sustained period of possession inside the Arrows half. After latching onto a pass inside the Abafana Bes’thende box, Terrence Dzvukamanja’s clever open-footed shot left goalkeeper Sifiso Mlungwana rooted to the spot.

SSU bossed proceedings after the restart as Arrows were reduced to playing the ball from defensive positions, which in turn provided little threat going forward.

Following an hour played in Mpumalanga, Arrows began seeing more of the ball and as a result, drew one back in the 69th minute. After making their way into the SSU box, Lungelo Nguse popped up with a calm left-footed finish.

Arrows grew in confidence after getting on the scoresheet and created a couple of notable goal scoring chances en-route to the 80th minute. Then, in a moment that sparked life into the game, Arrows levelled matters in the 81st minute as captain Gladwin Shitolo grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck with a headed effort from close range.

Nevertheless, SuperSport were left frustrated after letting their 2-0 advantage slip as the game ended with two goals apiece at the end of the 90 minutes.

Golden Arrows: (0) 2 (Nguse 69’, Shitolo 81’)

SuperSport United: (2) 2 (Okon 10’, Dzvukamanja 45’)

Golden Arrows: Mlungwana, Mhlongo (Lukhele 23’), Zuke, Shitolo, Cele, Zwane (van Rooi 64’), Dlamini, Mtshanti, Sibiya, Mutizwa, Malinga (Nguse 64’)

SuperSport United: Goss, Bhasera, Hlatshwayo, Okon, Lungu, Campbell (Muthewi 85’), Moralo, Margeman (Baloyi 85’), Ndlovu, Dzvukamanja, Magidigidi (Lakay 74’)

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