AmaZulu FC maintained their unbeaten start to the Betway Premiership season with a convincing 2-0 victory over Siwelele FC at Kings Park Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The result lifts Usuthu into second place on the log, level on points with leaders Kaizer Chiefs. The KwaZulu-Natal side will now turn their attention to securing a second successive win when they travel to face Mamelodi Sundowns on 26 August.
Siwelele, meanwhile, remain rooted to the bottom of the standings with just one point from three matches. The Free State outfit will be desperate to claim their first victory of the campaign when they host Chippa United on 25 August.
Although Usuthu had less possession than their opponents, they proved far more clinical in front of goal. Mlondi Mbanjwa opened the scoring in the 20th minute, netting his first goal of the season after Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya provided the assist to hand AmaZulu a deserved 1-0 lead.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute when Ngwenya turned from provider into scorer. Nkosikhona Radebe set up the in-form Zimbabwean striker, who finished clinically to claim his fifth goal in only four matches this season, and AmaZulu headed into the interval with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
Coach Lehlohonolo Seema needed to find a way to turn the game around and spark a strong comeback. The former Orlando Pirates captain introduced the attack-minded duo of Blessing Thulo and Neo Mokhachane as Siwelele pushed to pull one back and force an equaliser in the second-half.
However, AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane responded with several changes of his own, including introducing Langelihle Mhlongo and Thapelo Matlhoko. Goalkeeper Wilfried Kouassi frustrated the Siwelele attack with five second-half saves, helping AmaZulu secure a deserved 2-0 victory on the day.
AmaZulu (2) 2 (Mbanjwa 20' Ngwenya 32')
Siwelele 0
AMAZULU: Kouassi, Mthethwa, Fielies, Hanamub, Mdaka (Mhlongo 58'), Radebe, Hlangabeza (Zikhali 85'), Bern, Mbanjwa (Mokoena 85'), Maqokola (Sithole 84'), Ngwenya (Matlhoko 58').
SIWELELE: Phoko, Mfolozi, Ngcobo, Ndebele, Baliti, Margeman (Rasebotja 72'), Mokhuoane, Pule (Marks 72'), Jeza (Saile 85'), Potsane (Thulo 46'), Clifford (Mokhachane 46').