Royal AM got back to winning ways in the DStv Premiership after defeating KwaZulu-Natal rivals Golden Arrows 1-0 on Tuesday evening.
Abafana Besthende displayed a bold approach and started two out-and-out strikers in Ryan Moon and Lungelo Nguse, as Royal named four changes in Wandile Mabuza, Lesego Manganyi, Thabo Matlaba and Zukile Mkhize.
The host hit the front on just three minutes when a ball in the wide channels met Menzi Masuku who opened up his body to fire in from a tight angle and Royal AM the lead.
Abafana Besthende attempted a swift response though were unable to meet the front-two of Moon and Nguse, as Thwihli Thwahla pulled out all to stops to perverse their lead.
The home team were required to make a change before the half-hour mark with Mfundo Thikazi on for Mkhize who was unfortunately not able to carry on playing.
Moon very nearly got the visitors level on the stroke of halftime through a galloping header from a ball by Nduduzo Sibiya, but the attempt missed target.
Sibiya looked to go in himself shortly after the break with a penetrative effort following a free-kick in a promising position, but the midfield ace snapped past target.
Arrows made a double substitution a little to 62 minutes played, with Knox Mutizwa and Siyanda Mthanti in for Brandon Theron and Sibiya respectively.
The changes were effective eight minutes later when Mutizwa won a penalty after Manganyi handled his shot, but the self-same Mutizwa stepped up and saw Hugo Nyame save the subsequent penalty.
Nyame remained instrumental before fulltime with a stern display that helped his side to victory and denied Arrows a fourth straight league win.
Confirmed line-ups:
Royal AM: Nyame, Mahlasela, Manganyi, Mogaila, Masuku, Matlaba, Dlamini, Msomi, Mabuza, George, Mkhize
Subs: Ngcobo, Kobedi, Lingwati, Mpisane, Sera, Cele, Thikazi, Magaqa, Machuphu
Golden Arrows: Watenga, Theron, Cross, Mantshiyane, Shitolo, Dube, Van Rooi, Moon, Ndwandwe, Sibiya, Nguse
Subs: Gumede, Nxadi, Tlolane, Mhlongo, Motloung , Ncube , Zwane, Mutizwa, Mthanti
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