AmaZulu kept their slim top-three hopes alive after they battled back from behind to smash Chippa United 5-1 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 25 April.
A stunning strike from Azola Matrose in the first half put the Chilli Boys ahead, but two goals in quick succession from Athini Maqokolo and Sphamandla Zikhali saw Arthur Zwane's side leading at the break.
#BetwayPrem – RESULT:@AmaZuluFootball are victorious in a high-scoring encounter against @ChippaUnitedFC. pic.twitter.com/OvwNozdFJ6
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) April 25, 2026
Maqokolo and Thapelo Mathloko extended Usuthu's advantage in the second half before Thabiso Kutumela sealed the win that took them within four points of Kaizer Chiefs in fourth place.
The hosts were looking to arrest a three-match winless run, which had dented their Caf Confederation Cup challenge, while Chippa sought to put some more distance between themselves and the relegation zone after a 1-1 draw with Polokwane City gave them a four-point cushion over Magesi in 13th position.
AmaZulu made a bright start in Durban and threatened after just three minutes when Taariq Fielies forced Dumsani Msibi to tip his header behind from a corner.
Maqokolo also tested Msibi with a shot from range on 14 minutes, and Mondli Mbanjwa did well to create space for himself inside the box on 23 minutes, only to miss the target.
However, the visitors drew first blood in the 35th minute, and it was a special goal as Matrose cushioned a clearance from a long throw-in and volleyed home with his second touch from an angle on the right outside the area.
First touch ✅
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 25, 2026
Finish 👌
Azola Matrose strikes a rocket to open the scoring for Chippa 🌶️🔥
📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/IEYdubSDJM
The KZN outfit were back on level terms just 11 minutes later, though, when Maqokolo nodded in Asanda Mzobe's cross on the right, and they were celebrating again shortly afterwards with Zikhali's first goal for the club.
Maqokolo was a whisker away from scoring his second goal of the game on 71 minutes after hitting the post, but he soon made amends by slotting home Matlhoko's pass.
Thabiso Kutumela delivers to wrap it up for AmaZulu FC ⚽🎯#SSFootball | #BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/c8eWkcTm75
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 25, 2026
Matlhoko then went from provider to scorer with his third goal of the season on 79 minutes, and there was still time for Kutumela to curl a shot beyond Msibi at the death to complete the rout.
AmaZulu (2) 5 (Maqokola 44', 75', Zikhali 45+1', Matlhoko 79', Kutumela 90+2')
Chippa United (1) 1 (Matrose 35')
AmaZulu: O. Mzimela, K. Allan, T. Fielies, R. Hanamub, A. Mzobe (W. Dube 76'), S. Hlangabeza, L. Bern, M. Ngcobo (G. Lopes 76'), A. Maqokola (R. Moon 84'), S. Zikhali (T. Matlhoko 62'), M. Mbanjwa (T. Kutumela 84').
Chippa United: D. Msibi, B. Madingwane, H. Majadibodu, A. Mobara, M. Modise, S. Kammies (S. Ntsundwana 64'), K. Mfecane (A. Konqobe 46'), G. Mosele (L. Magugwana 80'), J. Figuareido (B. Eva Nga 46'), A. Matrose, S. Kwayiba.