Maova heroics earn Golden Arrows a point as Kaizer Chiefs win

Edward Maova made several important saves as Lamontville Golden Arrows held Durban City to a 0-0 draw in a rain-affected KZN derby at Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday, while Kaizer Chiefs beat Sekhukhune United 2-0.

The Namibian goalkeeper was central to Arrows’ resistance during a second-half spell in which City applied sustained pressure and came closest to breaking the deadlock.

Maova first denied City with a fine stop from a long-range free-kick after 60 minutes. He then produced two further saves from close range moments later, preserving Arrows’ clean sheet and ensuring the visitors left with a point.

The match began approximately 15 minutes later than scheduled after a late inspection of a waterlogged pitch. Persistent rain made the playing surface difficult and prevented both teams from producing a fluent performance.

Despite those conditions, City started the brighter of the two sides. They enjoyed more possession and territory in the opening exchanges but were unable to turn that advantage into clear chances.

Samkelo Maseko and Gaston Sirino both attempted to test the Arrows defence, while the visitors came closest to scoring in the first half. A header from a corner struck the crossbar before City goalkeeper Fredrick Asare collected the rebound.

City entered the match looking for their first league victory of the season after opening their campaign with a 1-0 defeat by Sekhukhune United. They continued to press after the interval, but Maova’s intervention repeatedly kept them at bay.

With 20 minutes remaining, Lamontville Golden Arrows coach Pitso Dladla made changes as he looked to give his team a stronger foothold in the match. Dladla was facing his former club.

Arrows also created a late opportunity to claim all three points. Sabelo Sithole nearly broke through in the 80th minute, but Siyabonga Msomi stopped him by pulling him back and was shown a yellow card.

Neither team could find the decisive goal, leaving them to share the points. The result gives Arrows consecutive goalless draws at the start of their league campaign.

Durban City, meanwhile, remain without a victory after their first two league matches. Their next assignment is another KZN derby against Richards Bay, with City still seeking their first three points of the season.

Elsewhere, Langelihle Phili was named player of the match on Wednesday after helping Kaizer Chiefs secure a 2-0 victory against Sekhukhune United. Phili was pictured during the Betway Premiership match against Sekhukhune United at FNB Stadium.