AmaZulu and Maritzburg United played to a 1-1 draw in the DStv Premiership at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday evening, with the Team of Choice fighting back to earn a point against a spirited Usuthu outfit.
AmaZulu got the game off to a positive start and immediately settled on the ball and often attempted to build play from the back. During the feeling out process of the match, Maritzburg created the first chance of the game after a swift counter attacking move. However, the home side did well to nullify the Team of Choice.
After 10 minutes on the clock, AmaZulu remained the more progressive of the two sides and continued to string passing moves together. Maritzburg, however, showcased their attacking impetus and launched a couple of attacks from range.
With Maritzburg keeping it tight at the back, AmaZulu dominated the possession statistics given the space afforded to them. While looking to pick locks in the Maritzburg defence, AmaZulu often attempted to shoot from range but struggled to make the most of their chances as the half-hour mark approached.
George Maluleka came close for AmaZulu soon after the 30th minute mark, after unleashing a shot that hit the Maritzburg upright. As a theme for much of the first half, the Team of Choice soaked up the pressure and looked to hit Usuthu on the break.
AmaZulu’s pressure paid off just before the halftime whistle, as Gabadinho Mhango managed to get his name on the scoresheet. After a penetrative drive into the box by Sphesihle Maduna, the midfielder squared the ball into the danger zone which was met by Mhango who rifled the ball into the back of the net from the centre of the goal.
As the referee blew for the second-half whistle, Maritzburg immediately searched for an equaliser and went straight on the attack. In dealing with the pressure AmaZulu held their own and stuck to their principles of keeping the ball.
Despite a brief moment whereby some of the stadium lights went out, the spark in the game remained as Tercious Malepe received his marching orders following a rash challenge on Brandon Theron. Down to 10 men, AmaZulu remained adventurous going forward and continued to apply pressure on the opposition backline.
After making wholesale changes, coupled with their numerical advantage, Maritzburg made way in the AmaZulu half and carved out a couple of goalscoring chances. With momentum in their stride, Maritzburg continued to fight, however, AmaZulu remained solid in defence.
In contrast to the first half, Maritzburg saw most of the ball in the second 45 with their thrust being rewarded with 15 minutes to go. After a pinpoint cross from a corner situation, Friday Samu levelled matters with a close range header inside the area.
As the game reached the 90 minute mark, Maritzburg came close to scoring the winner with Samu's presence causing problems in the home team’s box. However, the tie ended in a 1-1 stalemate as the Team of Choice worked hard to earn a point at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
AmaZulu FC: (1) 1 (Mhango 40’)
Maritzburg United: (0) 1 (Samu 76’)
AmaZulu: Mothwa, Sikhakhane, Hanamub, Mphahlele, Mobara, Buchanan (Bwalya 59’), Malepe, Maluleka, Maduna (Kunene 69’), Kwem (Brooks 69’), Mhango (Ndlovu 82’)
Maritzburg: Fru, Theron (van Der Ross 62’), Ritchie, Makume, Moloisane, Samu, Graham (Kimvuidi 62’), Sam (Monamodi 62’), Mashikinya (Palace 62’), Soukouna (Macheke 46’), Njoti