Arrows head coach Steve Komphela rang the changes from their loss to Maritzburg United as goalkeeper Sifiso Mlungwana surprisingly started ahead Nkosingiphile Gumede while defender Gladwin Shitolo and midfielder Ntsako Makhubela returned to the line-up.
The Limpopo side were dealt a double blow in the first stanza after Goodman Mosele went down with injury in the 18th minute and was replaced by Kulegani Madondo, befoe Phelelani Shozi also broke down with five minutes remaining of the first stanza and Sbonelo Ngubane came on in his place.
With both sides coming off the back of defeats in the past weekend, they managed to keep in tight at the back to head to the break goalless.
Komphela made two changes after the hour-mark, with Lindokuhle Mtshali and Velemseni Ndwandwe replacing Danny Venter and Danny Phiri as the home side went for broke.
Shitolo finally broke the deadlock for Abafana Bes'thende with 20 minutes remaining from a great free-kick that brought the game to life.
Baroka were dealt a blow in their pursuite of a comeback with five minutes remaining, after being reduced to ten men when Manuel Kambala was shown a straight red card for bringing down Michael Gumede, who was clear on goal.
Arrows: Mlungwana, S.Dube, Sibisi, Mathiane, Nkombelo, Venter, Shitolo, Phiri, Makhubela, Lamola, M.Gumede.
Subs: N.Gumede, L.Dube, Lunga, Mtshali, Ndwandwe, Sibeko, Khwela.
Baroka: Chipezeze, Farmer. Chivaviro, Kgoetyane, Shozi, Kambala, Mosele, Mbulu, Maloka, Gerbhardt, Patjie
Subs: Dlamini, Madondo, Nxumalo, Ngubane, Makgaka, Nsimba, Selemela.