Edward Maova produced a crucial second-half display to help Lamontville Golden Arrows hold Durban City to a goalless draw in a rain-soaked KZN derby at Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Arrows goalkeeper was at the heart of the visitors’ resistance as City enjoyed their best spell after the break, repeatedly threatening to finally break the deadlock.
Maova produced a fine save from a long-range free-kick after 60 minutes before making two more important saves from close range moments later. The Namibian shot-stopper’s intervention proved vital as Arrows weathered a sustained spell of pressure.
The match had started about 15 minutes late after the waterlogged pitch was given a late inspection, and the heavy conditions made flowing football difficult for both sides.
City, still searching for their first league win of the season after beginning the campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Sekhukhune United, had the better of the early exchanges but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities.
Samkelo Maseko and Gaston Sirino both had efforts at goal, while Arrows came closest when a header from a corner struck the crossbar before City goalkeeper Fredrick Asare gathered.
With 20 minutes remaining, Arrows coach Pitso Dladla – facing his former club – made changes in an attempt to gain a foothold in the contest.
Arrows offered a late threat of their own when Sabelo Sithole almost broke through in the 80th minute, but Siyabonga Msomi pulled him back and was shown a yellow card.
Neither side could find a winner as the points were shared, with Arrows recording back-to-back goalless draws in the league to begin their campaign. City, meanwhile, remain without a win after their opening two league matches, with another KZN derby against Richards Bay looming.
Meanwhile, Langelihle Phili was crowned player of the match on Wednesday after helping the side win 2-0 against Sekhukhune United.
