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Cape Town - Bidvest Wits ground out a 1-0 win over Golden Arrows in their Absa Premiership clash on Thursday evening thanks to a solitary strike from Gift Motupa.
The Clever Boys were out of the gates in a flash as they pushed forward early in the game. Motupa was a key figure for the attacking side as he burst into the final third with speed before warming the goalkeeper's hands with a shot from a tight angle.
Arrows had to absorb immense pressure as Wits continued pressing high up the pitch, and it almost led to a penalty for the visitors when Motupa was brought down by Nkosinathi Sibisi, but the referee waved it away.
Shortly after the penalty was turned down, perhaps incorrectly, the referee decided to award Wits with a penalty when it seemed to be the wrong call. Nkosingiphile Gumede appeared to do well as he got down and cleared a loose ball with a strong hand, but the referee surprisingly pointed to the spot. Motupa slotted the penalty with ease to give Wits the lead.
Just shy of the break Arrows had a chance to draw level, but Mtshali's powerful shot from close range was deflected wide of the goal.
Wits looked sharp again as the second half got underway and Thulani Hlatshwayo came within inches of making it 2-0 as his header flew just wide of the target.
Around the hour mark Elias Pelembe again came agonisingly close for Wits. He curled a free kick at goal and left the goalkeeper rooted to the spot but the ball bounced off the woodwork.
Abafana Bes'thende found their rhythm as the second half wore on and were rewarded a penalty of their own in the 71st minute when Deon Hotto fouled Siyabonga Dube in the box. However, Knox Mutizwa couldn't keep his composure and missed the target.
Gumede almost cost Arrows a goal in the last 10 minutes when he failed to connect properly with an attempted punch but the loose ball wasn't put away and the scoreline stayed at 1-0 until the final whistle.
