Golden Arrows translated their MTN8 form to the Betway Premiership on Wednesday evening when they secured a 1-0 win over Stellenbosch FC at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi.
Just as Sede Junior Dion scored the only goal of the game in Abafana Bes’thende’s weekend win over Mamelodi Sundowns in the Top Eight competition, the Ivorian-born forward was the hero again on this occasion, netting the only goal after rising off the bench.
The result sees Arrows record their first win to be placed sixth on the log, while Stellies suffered a second defeat to sit in 11th place.
The first clear chance of the match arrived shortly before the quarter-hour mark, with Arrows’ Thokozani Khumalo managing to turn and shoot inside the penalty area, but Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens was well placed to make a smothering save.
Around the midway point of the first half, Stellenbosch created a couple of good chances, with Raoul Daniels lifting a shot over the target, before Sinoxolo Kwayiba was unable to head home from close range.
Ten minutes before the end of the first half, Arrows went close via defender Themba Mantshiyane, who got on the end of a corner kick and headed toward goal but his effort was narrowly off target.
The hosts threatened again in injury time when Sabelo Sithole got a shot away from the edge of the box, but again the radar wasn’t quite dialled in, leaving the game goalless at the break.
Arrows kept up their attacking pressure in the second half and finally broke through in the 70th minute: substitute Sede Junior Dion was able to head home at the far post from Thokozani Khumalo’s right flank cross.
Stellies responded by sending on Genino Palace, Kgaogelo Ramashu and Bradley Grobler in an effort to get back into the match, but the hosts stood firm in defence and were able to see out the remainder of the match without any heart-in-mouth moments.
The teams will return to Premiership action next week, with Stellenbosch away to Durban City on 1 September, while Arrows will host Mamelodi Sundowns on 6 September.
Golden Arrows (0) 1 (Dion 70’)
Stellenbosch FC 0
ARROWS: Mbanjwa, Shezi, Agnikoi, Mantshiyane, Maluleke, Maxwele (Radzhadzhi 79’), Zwane, Barry (Dlamini 46’), Gasa (Dion 64’), T. Khumalo (Van Rooi 89’), Sithole (P. Khumalo 64’)
STELLENBOSCH: Stephens, Taunyane, Nkwali (Lebitso 46’), Vena, Butsaka (Ramashu 72’), Mthethwa (Palace 72’), Matlou, Mashego, Plaatjies (Du Preez 46’), Daniels (Grobler 76’), Kwayiba