AmaZulu FC were frustrated by Sekhukhune United in their DStv Premiership clash which ended in a 0-0 draw at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday evening.
Therefore, Usuthu remained seventh on the league standings, but they are now two points behind fourth-placed Kaizer Chiefs, while Babina Noko climbed up to the 10th spot following the stalemate.
Babina Noko sat back and allowed Usuthu to dominate possession with the visitors looking to launch quick counter-attacks through their flying wing-backs Nyiko Mobbie and Roderick Kabwe.
The AmaZulu duo of Luvuyo Memela and Sphesihle Maduna looked lively upfront, but their final product was poor as their final passes, shots and crosses were either intercepted or cleared away.
The best chance of the first half fell for Tapelo Xoki, but his header, which was heading for the top left corner, was fantastically tipped over the crossbar by goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata.
The Zambian shot-stopper's eye-catching save ensured that the first half ended with the two teams locked at 0-0.
Vusumuzi Mncube and Prince Nxumalo were both introduced by Sekhukhune co-coaches Owen Da Gama and MacDonald Makhubedu as the tacticians looked to change the complexion of the game.
However, AmaZulu continued to control the match after the restart with the visitors' defence looking solid and impact which limited the hosts to long-range shots.
Keagan Buchanan's attempt from range flew over the crossbar before Xola Mlambo's goal-bound shot was blocked inside the Babina Noko's box as Usuthu pushed for a late winning goal.
Having come off the bench to grab a late assist when Usuthu defeated Swallows FC 1-0 on Tuesday, Andre De Jong was introduced with 14 minutes left on the clock.
However, Sekhukhune were able to contain AmaZulu until match referee Thando Ndzanzeka blew the final whistle and the encounter ended in a 0-0 draw.
TEAMS
AmaZulu: Mothwa, Gumede, Xoki, Kunene, Mobara, Sikhakhane, Makhaula, Buchanan, Mlambo (De Jong 76'), Memela (Mthembu 86'), Maduna (Moremi 79').
Sekhukhune: Nsabata, Chabalala, Mahlangu, Kabwe (Madonsela 76'), Motsepe, Gyimah, Maart, Mobbie, Molaba, Shonga (Mncube 46'), Ohizu (Nxumalo 46').