AS Royal AM’s season is reaching its final end, they are bottling their chances of finishing in the top two in the DStv Premiership standings.
They were held to a 2-2 draw by provincial rivals Golden Arrows at Princess Magogo Stadium on Saturday afternoon. It was the club’s fourth game that they failed to win on the bounce.
In the match itself, it was crazy as it produced four goals in the first half and disappointed a vibrant crowd in KwaMashu who braved chilly weather in Durban.
Both sides were fighting for different courses, with AM aiming to keep their hopes of finishing second.
Royal AM, who had not won in three matches prior to this game, saw Mfundo Thikazi crashing them in front in the ninth minute.
However, Shauwn Mkhize’s side lead didn’t last long. Pule Mmodi, who has been impressive this season for Arrows, finished off at a tight angle shot in the ninth minute.
Royal AM again retook the lead through Mokete Mogaila in the 33rd minute.
Again they couldn’t hold onto their lead as Nduduzo Sibiya evened the numbers from the penalty spot seven minutes before half time.
Expecting more goals in the second half, however, it was disappointing with neither side finding the goal. But Arrows goalie Sifiso Mlungwana almost gifted Royal AM a goal, failing to handle Sedwyn George’s speculative shot.
It bobbled inside the box and the burly ‘keeper was relieved to see it cleared. For both these teams, this result doesn’t help in their aspirations of top two and top eight spots with one game to go.
Arrows will finish the DStv Premiership against AmaZulu at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Royal AM, who have achieved so much in their maiden season, will finish theirs against Mamelodi Sundowns at Chatsworth Stadium on the same day, with the latter lifting this season’s DStv Premiership trophy.
Just like Stellenbosch FC, AM will hope to spoil the celebration and get the desired results to retain their hopes of top two.
