Watenga's Arrows squander chance to close on Onyango's Mamelodi

Watenga in action for Golden Arrows / Golden Arrows Image

FOOTBALL Watenga's Arrows squander chance to close on Onyango's Mamelodi

Brian Aheebwa 17:26 - 08.11.2023

Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Ismail Watenga and his side, Golden Arrows, missed an opportunity to go within a point of his compatriot Denis Onyango's Mamelodi Sundowns in the South African Premier Soccer League.

Watenga started in goal as Arrows suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Royal AM at Chatsworth Stadium in Durban on Tuesday.

Menzi Masuku netted past Watenga as early as the second minute of the game, and it proved vital for the hosts to grab maximum points.

It was the visitors' second loss in the league this season, given that they were humbled 4-0 by the defending champions, Mamelodi, on the road.

Mamelodi Sundowns shot stopper Denis Onyango / Mamelodi Sundowns Image

A win would have lifted The Backheel Boys to the second position of the PSL table, one point below the leaders Sundowns, who have gathered 24 points from eight games.

Lamontville remained third with 20 points after ten games, two points behind second-placed Supersport United, who have played the same number of games.

On the same day, Watenga's countryman and fellow goalkeeper Salim Jamal Magoola started on the bench as his club Richards Bay were edged 2-1 by Stellenbosch at Danie Craven Stadium.

Richards Bay Custodian Salim Jamal Magoola / Richards Bay Image

Magoola's Richards Bay languishes in the relegation zone in 15th position with six points from 11 games.

They will host Cape Town Spurs on Sunday, November 12, at King Zwelithini Stadium. Watenga and his teammates will also be at home against AmaZulu FC at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on the same day.

Meanwhile, Onyango's Sundowns will host Wydad Casablanca at the Loftus Versfeld on Sunday in the second leg of the inaugural African Football League final. The latter won the first leg 2-1 in Morocco last Sunday.