As one of the most in-form teams in the Betway Premiership currently, AmaZulu extended their winning streak in the league this weekend following a tensely fought 1-0 win over Golden Arrows at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Saturday night.
With fans in KwaZulu-Natal treated to a local derby of their own, AmaZulu emerged victorious through the lone effort by Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya during the midway point of the second half.
AmaZulu started the game on a better note, creating several scoring opportunities in the first quarter. Usuthu’s first scoring chance came in the fifth minute when Athini Maqokola missed a close-range header following a set-piece near the edge of the 18-yard box.
Usuthu came close to scoring on a couple of occasions leading up to the 20th minute, with Philani Kumalo and Mondli Mbanjwa creating havoc in the Arrows backline via a long-range shot and an effort inside the box, respectively.
Arrows’ main attacking outlet came through Sabelo Sithole and Sede Dion, who tested the AmaZulu backline around the half-hour mark but ultimately fell short.
Much of the game's offensive action involved shots from range, as both sides were unable to find the net.
Arrows started the second half on the front foot as Sabelo Sithole forced goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela into action with a left-footed shot from the right side of the box after Siphesihle Msomi found his teammate inside following incisive play toward goal.
AmaZulu grabbed the lead in the 65th minute through Ngwenya, who made no mistake inside the area. After progressing up the pitch, Nkosikhona Radebe found his teammate in an inviting position before he completed a left-footed shot from the centre of the 18-yard area.
With AmaZulu leading, Arrows actively searched for an equaliser but were left frustrated at falling short as the 80th minute mark approached.
Nonetheless, AmaZulu managed to hold on to record their fifth win in a row while Arrows slumped to their second consecutive defeat.
AmaZulu: (0) 1 ( Radebe 65’)
Golden Arrows: 0
AmaZulu: Mzimela, Mdaka, Hannamub, Fielies, Mthethwa, Mbanjwa (Ekstein 68’), Hlangabeza (Zikhali 68’), Maduna (Matlhoko 86’), Radebe (Phillips 76’), Ngwenya (Bern 86’), Maqokola
Golden Arrows: Msibi, Shezi, Agnikoi, Jiyane, Mabaso, Maxwele, Dlamini (Msomi 46’), Zwane (Gasa 59’), Khumalo (Van Neel 59’), Dion, Sithole (Karelse 59’)