GOLDEN ARROWS VS POLOKWANE CITY | ABSA

Mngwengwe 7′

Ramagalela 41′

Competition: ABSA Premiership
Date: Wednesday 29 August 2018
Venue:  Princess Magogo Stadium
Kick-off: 19h30

An early goal from skipper Nkanyiso Mngwengwe was not enough against a determined Polokwane City tonight, as we finished with a draw at full time.

We missed an opportunity to open the scoring in the 6th minute after Conco was bought down just inside the box, and were awarded a penalty. Limbikani Mzava took the kick, but Polokwane City’s keeper, George Chigova did well to dive low to his right and make a telling save.

A well placed corner kick in the following play saw Mngwengwe go up, connect the ball well and find the back of the net off a well executed cross.

This set the pace of the first half, with Polokwane City fighting hard for an equaliser. We answered them play for play, getting into the last third, but being closed down by some good defending from the visitors. We had so many opportunities to add to the score board but yet again failed to convert our chances into goals, we had two opportunities that hit the cross bar.

The determination from Rise and Shine paid off though. In the 41st minute, a play up the far side of the field saw Rodney Ramagalela take a shot from outside the box. Gumede who had come off his line a bit in defence, tried to block the ball and managed to get a leg in the way, but the deflection was not enough to change the overall direction of the ball and the equaliser was scored.

Coming back onto the field in the second half, A change in tactic from Clinton Larsen saw the introduction of Wayde Jooste and Danny Phiri onto the field. Jooste’s introduction had a slight impact on the pace of the game and saw some promising plays between himself, Lamola and Mutizwa.

Ultimately the opportunities created never turned into anything. Opportunities were to be had by Mutizwa, substitute Moreira as well as Jooste but a determined Chigova denied us at every turn.

Polokwane City also had a number of chances in the second half, but it was not to be for either of the teams on the field tonight and in the end the points were once again shared.

We will go back to the drawing board and prepare for an away game on September 16th against Highlands Park at Makhulong Stadium.