Usuthu miss out on Top 8 after Arrows defeat

AmaZulu FC players during the DStv Premiership 2023/24 match between AmaZulu and Golden Arrows at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 25 May 2024 ©Pierre Tostee/BackpagePix

Golden Arrows secured a 3-1 win over AmaZulu FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in what was their last game of the 2023/24 DStv Premiership campaign on Saturday afternoon.

As a result, Usuthu missed out on the top eight as coach Pablo Franco Martin’s side concluded their season in the 11th spot in the league standings – three points behind eighth-placed Polokwane City.

Abafana Bes’thende launched most of their attacks down the wings with Ryan Moon being the vocal point of the attack. The former Kaizer Chiefs striker had found the back of the net against Cape Town Spurs last weekend.

Moon continued his good form when he netted in the 37th minute to hand Arrows a 1-0 lead with Knox Mutizwa providing the assist. Arrows were then able to contain AmaZulu’s attackers and the half-time score was 1-0 to the visitors in the KwaZulu-Natal Derby clash.

The early stages of the second-half saw Moon cause havoc for the Usuthu defence and he grabbed an assist. The lanky player set up Siyanda Mthanti who beat goalkeeper Veli Mothwa to make it 2-0 to Arrows in the 48th minute.

Mthanti then set up substitute Olwethu Ncube who scored in the 74th minute to hand Arrows a 3-0 lead. Usuthu were able to grab a consolation goal in the 82nd minute when Augustine Chidi Kwem converted a penalty and ultimately, Arrows emerged as 3-1 winners.

AmaZulu (0) 1 (Kwem 82′)
Arrows (1) 3 (Moon 37′, Mthanti 48′, Ncube 74′)

AmaZulu: Mothwa, Hanamub, Fielies, Jooste, Gumede, Motswari, Brooks (Ngema 56′), Ekstein (Ndlovu 74′), Mbanjwa (Mulenga 56′), Dion (Kwem 74′), Moremi (Letsoalo 74′).

Arrows: Watenga, Cross , Cele, Shitolo, Theron (Lukhele 74′), Mthanti (Sibeko 69′), Zwane, Dlamini, Nguse (Libamba 74′), Mutizwa (Tlolane 74′), Moon (Ncube 61′).

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