Ronaldo Maarman's late strike against AmaZulu keeps Sekhukune United top

Sekhukhune United scored late to deny AmaZulu a valuable away win, as the two sides shared the spoils in a 1–1 draw at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday night.

Ronaldo Maarman, introduced in the second half, netted in the 85th minute to rescue Babina Noko and extend their unbeaten run to four matches in the Betway Premiership. For AmaZulu, it was a case of switching off at a crucial moment and allowing a deserved victory to slip away.

Arthur Zwane’s side made the long trip north hoping to build on their strong start to the campaign — and they got off to the perfect start. Thando Ngwenya, a new arrival this season from Zimbabwe, scored his first goal in South Africa when he finished off a sweeping move in the 18th minute.

The in-form Siyanda Hlangabeza was once again instrumental, lifting a clever pass over the defence to find Andiswa Sithole, who squared the ball for Ngwenya to tap home.

It was also AmaZulu’s first away goal of the season, highlighting the impact of Sithole, who started in place of the injured Tebogo Mashigo.

While Eric Tinkler’s men dominated possession, Sekhukhune failed to trouble AmaZulu in the opening half, still appearing flat following their MTN8 exit. Usuthu, by contrast, looked well-drilled and determined to defend their lead.

Maarman provided the spark Sekhukhune had been missing when he entered the fray, hitting the upright in the 69th minute as a warning sign. His persistence eventually paid off six minutes from time when he finally breached AmaZulu’s defence to snatch a point.

Elsewhere on the night, at the King Zwelithini Stadium, Golden Arrows struck in stoppage time to claim a dramatic 2–1 win over Magesi FC.

Mncedisi Vandala gave the visitors the lead in the 10th minute before Sede Dion equalised. But it was Nqubeko Dlamini who stole the show, firing home in the 95th minute to hand Abafana Bes’thende all three points.