Golden Arrows extended their unbeaten run to six matches after playing to a 0-0 draw with Royal AM at the Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday.
Arrows coach Lehlohonolo Seema made just one change to his side with Siyavuya Ndlovu coming in for Nkosinathi Sibisi. Meanwhile, Sello Matjila, Sikhetele Mabuza, Victor Letsoalo and Given Mashikinya were recalled to the Royal AM side while Tshidiso Monamodi, Mzwanele Mahashe, Thato Lingwati and Tebogo Potsane dropped out.
It was a fast start to the game with both sides making their intent clear to take the ball up and attack. Arrows won a free-kick on the edge of the box after two minutes. Siphelele Magubane took the set piece and cleared the wall but couldn't get enough curl on the effort for it to go in at the far post.
Soon after, Royal's Kabelo Mahlasela error allowed Michael Gumede to take possession and he played it to Pule Mmodi whose cross dangerously went across the face of goal with no one able to get on the end of it.
The next chance came when Royal dispossessed Arrows deep inside their own half from a good high press and Menzi Masuku fed Ndumiso Mabena's, whose strike was well saved by an alert Nkosingiphile Gumede.
Both sides were guilty of poor decision-making and execution in the final third and as a result there were few decent opportunities to speak of but the visitors would threaten shortly before half-time after Mmodi was played in by Nduduzo Sibiya and the former's powerful effort went narrowly over the crossbar.
It was not the most entertaining encounter in terms of goalmouth action. Abafana Bes'thende did however look more likely to score as Know Mutizwa put Nqobeko Dlamini in space, who fired over the bar.
Late on, Nyame made a magnificent save to deny the visitors after Mmodi broke away from his marker and put his laces on it with the outside of his boot and the ball was arrowing into the top right-hand corner but the Royal shot-stopper made a terrific one-handed diving save.
Arrows keeper Gumede had been involved in a nasty collision with Letsoalo earlier in the second half before being taken off and as a result there were nine minutes of added time.
Sedwyn George had a fantastic opportunity for Thwihli Thwahla in the fifth minute of stoppage time as he connected well with his side-footed volley from Monamodi's cross from the left-hand side but Arrows' substitute keeper Sifiso Mlungwana pushed the ball over the bar as the hosts have now won only one of their last six.
Confirmed line-ups:
Royal AM: Nyame, Mkhize, Mashikinya, Mabuza, Letsoalo, Matjila, Manganyi, Phalane, Mahlasela, Mabena, Masuku
Subs: Mabokgwane, Dlamini, Sera, Lingwati, Monamodi, Pelembe, George, Maxwele Ncobeni
Arrows: N.Gumede, Zuke, Ndlovo, Mantshiyane, M.Dube, Dlamini, L.Dube, Magubane, Mmodi, Sibiya, M.Gumede
Subs: Mbatha, Nxadi, Mtshali, Fikizolo, Ndwandwe, Cele, Nkosi, Gumbi, Mutizwa
