Madombidzha Arsenal used their home-ground advantage fruitfully when they beat Tshikota Chelsea 1-0 in a Safa Vhembe SAB league match at Madombidzha on Sunday, 18 September.
The match was delayed by five minutes when Arsenal lodged a protest with the referee. They alleged that Thabang Sithole of Chelsea was not properly registered. Chelsea then replaced Thabang with Patson Mafela. There was a spirit of commitment from both sides shortly after the referee, Mr Naledzani Ndouvhada, blew the first whistle.
The visiting side was controlling the proceedings in the middle of the park, but fumbled at the goal finish. Arsenal took the lead in the 40th minute. Their strikers, Ritshidze Matodzi and Dakalo Nwanamidwa, initiated some moves in the middle of the park that ended in a goal. Ritshidze gave the final touch to the ball.
The score was 1-0 at half time.
The pride of Tshikota introduced a defender, Oliver Sathege, at the expense of Collen Mmonoa, early in the second half. The replacement did not change the completion of the match. Chelsea came close to scoring in the 65th minute, but Chester Murwanthi shot wide with only the keeper, Rendani Maduwa, to beat.
Arsenal´s striker, Mbengeni Rabuwani, dribbled past three Chelsea defenders in a row and shot wide from close range.