Masuku fires Royal AM past Arrows

Royal AM snapped a four-match winless run in the DStv Premiership when they defeated Golden Arrows 1-0 at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Tuesday night.

Despite the win, Thwihli Thwahla remained 14th on the league standings - five points above the relegation zone. Royal will now lock horns with Cape Town City on Friday.

Arrows, on the other hand, also remained third on the league standings - missing a chance to leapfrog second-placed SuperSport United. Abafana Bes'thende will take on AmaZulu FC on Sunday.

Thwihli Thwahla got off to the perfect start as they broke the deadlock just two minutes into the game after Abafana Bes'thende's defence was exposed.

Kabelo Mahlasela set up fellow former Orlando Pirates attacker Menzi Masuku who beat goalkeeper Ismail Watenga to break the deadlock and Royal AM were leading during the half-time break.

With his side trailing at half-time, coach Mabhuti Khenyeza introduced Olwethu Ncube prior to the start of the second-half as Arrows looked to level matters.

Arrows were awarded a penalty with 20 minutes left on the clock after Samuel Manganyi was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box and it was a chance for the visitors to level matters.

However, Hugo Nyame had other ideas as the keeper produced a fantastic save to deny Knox Mutizwa from the spot-kick to ensure that the game ended in a 1-0 win in favour of Royal AM.
 
Royal (1) 1 (Masuku 2')
Arrows (0) 0

Royal: Nyame, Mahlasela (Magaqa 75'), Manganyi, Mogaila, Masuku (Mpisane 88'), Matlaba, Dlamini, Msomi (Kobedi 74'), Mabuza, George (Macuphu 88'), Mkhize (Thikazi 27').

Arrows: Watenga, Theron (Mthanti 71'), Cross, Mantshiyane, Shitolo, Dube (Zwane 71'), Van  Rooi, Moon, Ndwandwe, Sibiya (Mutizwa 62'), Nguse (Ncube 46').