In-form AmaZulu book Carling Knockout last 8 berth
by Kickoff writer · KickOffAmaZulu progressed to the Carling Knockout quarter-finals after a late 1-0 win over Kruger United on Sunday afternoon.
Teams: Kruger United v AmaZulu FC
Result: 0-1
Scorer: Ekstein (75')
Usuthu came into the clash on the back of a run of four successive victories, but the newly promoted outdit looked to halt their momentum and upped their scales following victory over Chippa United last weekend.
The in-form visitors looked to get a headstart in the opening ten minutes when defender Taariq Fielies latched onto a corner-kick at the near post, but he audaciously back-heeled wide of the far post.
Usuthu were in again minutes later as Mlondi Mbanjwa made a late run in the box to get on the end a cross-field ball from the right of the area and unleashed a header, but Marcel Dandjinou made himself big and repelled.
Kruger still battled against the visitors’ early pressure and survived another scare when Athini Maqokolo made an overlapping run in the box to get on the end of Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya’s cutback and tucked over from close-range.
The Believers were alive on the half-hour mark and were out searching for the opener following a low rasping free-kick right outside the area by former Usuthu man Celimpilo Ngema, but he was courted by Olwethu Mzimela.
Second Half:
Usuthu remained on the back-foot early in the second half and were pinned as Motsie Matima found space on the far side from an interception of possession and stung the gloves of Mzimela.
Mzimela continued to keep the host at bay as the half began to open up and got down right on his goal-line to thwart a low speculative shot on the edge of the area by Ngema.
At the same time, Usuthu coach Arthur Zwane looked to the substitutes bench within the quarter-hour of the second stanza and sacrificed top scorer Ngwenya to haul in veteran Hendrick Ekstein.
Usuthu regained momentum in the final quarter and won a penalty in the 75th minute from Tatenda Tavengwa to win a penalty, which Ekstein executed perfectly to give them the lead.
The Believers showed courage and a miraculous save by Mzimela in the first minute of additional time thwarted the scorching strike by former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates midfielder Lesedi Kapinga as Usuthu advanced to the quarter-finals.
Next Five Fixtures:
Kruger United:
Richards Bay (H)
Polokwane City (A)
Mamelodi Sundowns (H)
Golden Arrows (A)
Siwelele FC (H)
AmaZulu:
1. Golden Arrows (H)
2. Kaizer Chiefs (A)
3. Milford (H)
4. Sekhukhune United (A)
5. Chippa United (A)