Matchday 7 - report

PORT ELIZABETH, November 12 (Absa Premier League) – A stunning late strike from Musa Nyatama helped Thanda Royal Zulu to a first win in six games with a 2-1 scoreline at Bay United.
Bernard Parker had given Amabhubesi a first-half lead in Port Elizabeth, before Jimmy Zakazake’s 79th minute penalty looked to have earned the hosts a share of the spoils.
But Musa had the final say blasting a 25-yard shot into the top right-hand corner just seven minutes before the end to hand Roger Palmgren’s team a much needed win.
Chances were few and far between in the early stages with Sibusiso Hadebe’s potentially dangerous cross well intercepted by United goalkeeper Arthur Bartman.
Vladislav Heric was forced to make a change after just 20 minutes with Asanda Mvalo replacing Duran Francis, who picked up an injury.
Mahlangu then had the first real opportunity, but skewed his ambitious 30-yard strike wide, before Parker’s 26th-minute opener.
Thabiso Rammile was the provider delivering a pin-point cross from the left that was met by a sweet right-foot finish by his skipper from the centre of the penalty area.
Gareth Ncaca, McDonald Mukansi and Zamuxolo Ngalo all had long-range efforts fly wide for the hosts as they tried their level best to get back into the game, while Musa Nyatama and Hadebe were equally wasteful at the other end.
Another bad stroke of fortune hit the home team in the 38th minute with Cyril Nzama picking up a knock and the defender had to be replaced by Paulus Shiphanga.
Shortly before half-time Aubrey Mathibe was tested for the first time and was equal to the task, deflecting an 18-yard strike from Ncaca wide.
The second half began just as the first ended with the Thanda goalkeeper intercepting Ncaca’s dangerous free-kick from the right.
Substitute Shiphanga then spurned an excellent headed opportunity by nodding wide from close range, before Linos Chalwe fired his shot from the centre of the box straight at Mathibe.
On the hour mark, Hadebe and Mahlangu linked up well with the latter seeing his shot from the edge of the penalty area blocked by Abednigo Netshiozwe and the rebound easily gathered by Bartman.
The host were handed a lifeline ten minutes from time when Zakazake was fouled by Nyatama in the box and the United striker slotted home the ensuing penalty.
However, their joy was short-lived with Musa’s emphatic finish helping Palmgren’s team claim all the points and move up to eighth on the Absa Premier League table.