SANTOS VS GOLDEN ARROWS | NFD

Competition: NFD
Date: Wednesday, 04 March 2015
Venue: Athlone Stadium
Kick-off: 15h30

The Cape has yet again not been kind to Abafana Bes’thende this afternoon after a 1-1 draw with Santos.

Golden Arrows held it together for the most of the game. With the first half being a physical battle between two sides who were clearly determined to stick to their game plans and battle it out. Golden Arrows hadsettled on an attacking game, and Santos were settling for a defending game.

Abafana Bes’thende were relentless at the attack of the Santos goal in the first half and were not able to score, their best chance coming in the 20th minute, when Mkhize hit the bar off a long throw in from Sikhakhane.

The home team could not have any of it, and were clearing everything thay could, putting Golden Arrows on the back foot and keeping everyone behind the ball trying to ensure Golden Arrows could not score.

As a first half strategy this seemed to work for them and the teams went into the break with no score on the board.

The game did not change much in the second, Santos were denied after receiving a free kick which was dead on target, only to be denied by a great save from Mbaeva.

Golden Arrows then had a number of opportunities that nearly opened their account. Hotto crossed to Masaole who headed the ball, which was held by Santos keeper. Fikizolo and Cele played a great combination, chipping it to Masaole, who shoots but its wide.

Golden Arrows then received a penalty after Dawood handled the ball in the box. Mkhize stepped up and banged it past the keeper to put Golden Arrows 1-0 up with 15 minutes to play.

The game went into extra time and it was then that Santos managed to pull one back to equalise. After a long throw in, the ball was flicked into the back of the net to secure them the draw.