Arrows and Chippa share the spoils in Hammarsdale

Golden Arrows denied Chippa United a third straight win in the Betway Premiership after they played out a 0-0 draw at the Mpumalanga Stadium on Saturday, 5 April.

Knox Mutizwa came closest to breaking the deadlock when his shot came back off the crossbar early in the second half as Manqoba Mngqithi's side kept a first clean sheet in three outings to remain a point and two places behind the Chilli Boys (eighth) in 10th position.

Arrows were targeting successive wins for only the third time this season as they looked to get back into the top eight, while Chippa hoped to make it five games unbeaten against the KZN outfit, having run out 2-0 victors in the reverse fixture on 26 October.

The hosts were pinned inside their territory for long spells in the first half and Edward Maova was called into action twice early on, saving a free-kick in the third minute before dealing with another set-piece at his near post on 17 minutes.

Stanley Nwabali had a quiet opening 45 minutes and he wasn't even required to make a save when Siyanda Mthanti took a pop from range on the stroke of halftime, but saw his shot fly wide of the goal.

Abafana Bes'thende made a bright start to the second half, however, as Mutizwa rattled the crossbar on 49 minutes following good combination play to set him up.

Nwabali was finally tested six minutes later, although Velemseni Ndwandwe's strike lacked the necessary power to really trouble the Nigeria international after more good link-up play.

The visitors then went close on 68 minutes as Ayabulela Konqobe lashed a shot from range just over the bar and Maova had to be alert two minutes later to keep out another attempt on goal.

Nduduzo Sibiya almost won it for Arrows in the 88th minute with a shot on the turn that was well saved by Nwabali, who then watched on as Lwanda Mbanjwa and Ndwandwe both cleared the target with their respective efforts in stoppage time.

Golden Arrows 0

Chippa United 0

Golden Arrows: E. Maova, A. Maxwele (B. Theron 46'), G. Shitolo, T. Mantshiyane, S. Cele (S. Sibeko 72'), T. Zuke (L. Mbanjwa 72'), S. Gumbi (N. Zwane 46'), V. Ndwandwe, S. Mthanti, N. Sibiya, K. Mutizwa (K. Malinga 72').

Chippa United: S. Nwabali, B. Madingwane, T. Makhele, J. Chabalala, A. Ntsabo (M. Modise 49'), C. Martin, S. Kammies, A. Mqokozo (P. Tyongwana 58'), G. Philander (X. Sithole 58'), A. Konqobe (S. Ndlovu 75'), B. Eva Nga (E. Sakala 75').