GOLDEN ARROWS VS JOMO COSMOS | ABSA

Competition: ABSA Premiership
Date: 19 August 2009
Venue:  Chatsworth Stadium

Golden Arrows moved to the top of the Absa Premiership table after a 2-0 win over Jomo Cosmos at the Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

Abafana Bes’thende move level on four points with co-leaders SuperSport United but take pole position thanks to their superior goal difference.

Midfielder Musa Bilankulu showed that he is capable of filling the large boots of Bafana Bafana player Kagisho Dikgacoi with a commanding display that saw him score both goals.

The 24-year-old looks set to be a key player for the KwaZulu-Natal side this term and coach Manqoba Mngqithi will be pleased that the former centre-back is adapting so well to a role in central midfield.

Cosmos provided some early pressure, with Gasoussou Diarra, Bongani Theletsane and Thapelo Tshilo all looking to break the deadlock inside the opening 25 minutes.

However, it was the home team who opened the scoring on the half hour mark with a well worked move. Joseph Henyekane and Thamsanqa Gabuza combined to set up Bilankulu with a chance and the midfielder duly buried his shot from close range, easily beating goalkeeper Avril Phali.

And five minutes later the converted defender was at it again, turning home Philani Shange’s cross from the left flank to make it 2-0.

Ezenkosi looked to hit back before half time, but former Santos striker Koena Mathopa saw his close range effort miss the target.

The second half was a frustrating time for the visitors, as they were unable to really get themselves going from an attacking point of view.

Coach Jomo Sono threw on Larry Cohen and Gerald Modabi just past the hour mark to try and spark something from his side, but they rarely caused any concern for Arrows keeper Thulasizwe Khuzwayo.

Even the introduction of veteran goal-getter Manuel Tico-Tico Bucuane had no effect, allowing Arrows to hold out and pick up three valuable points in their first home game of the season.

Golden Arrows (2) 2 (Bilankulu 30’ 35’)
Jomo Cosmos 0

Arrows: Khuzwayo, Zwane, Musonda, Masinga, J. Henyekane, Shange, Khuboni, Bilankulu, Manqana (Tanoh 83’), Gabuza (Kombe 90’), Vezi (Mshengu 70’) Coach: Mngqithi

Cosmos: Phali, Moloto, Tshilo, Berthe (Cohen 63’), Mhlathe (Modabi 63’), Diarra, Samb, Oluwafeni, Theletsane, Mathopa (Bucuane 80’), Hlalele

Coach: Sono