Usuthu get back to winning ways with KZN derby result

AmaZulu made sure to get back to winning ways in the Betway Premiership on Friday evening with a 2-1 victory against Royal AM at the King Zwelithini Stadium.

Usuthu were on the front foot from the very beginning, with Nigerian striker Etiosa Ighodaro causing problems for the Royal AM defence.

Sbangani Zulu came close to opening the scoring with a header in the 15th minute, but his effort was wide.

Shortly after that, AmaZulu missed an opportunity to go in front but Royal goalkeeper Mondli Mpoto was on high alert.

The goal eventually came for Usuthu close to the end of the first half, with creative midfielder Hendrick Ekstein netting in the 37th minute.

As soon as the second half began, the Durban-based outfit continued the same form as Ighodaro teed up Mondli Mbanjwa for the second in the 48th minute.

It became a nervy ending for Usuthu as Thwili Thwala pulled one back through Levy Mashiane’s stunning effort in the 78th minute.

Luckily, the team did well to hold on and collect all three points in KZN.

AmaZulu: R. Ofori, W. Jooste, R. Mphahlele, T. Fielies, R. Hanamub, C. Ngema, B. Motshwari, M. Mbanjwa (T. Moremi 59’), H. Ekstein (K. Mngonyama 81’), R. Human (M. Gumede 90+2’), E. Ighodaro (S. Ndlovu 82’)

Royal AM: M. Mpoto, T. Matlaba (L. Mashiane 68’), A. Jiyane, S. Zulu, S. Sheri, J. Dlamini, S. Sithole, S. Gumede (P. Sithebe 46’), K. Mahlasela, A. Maxwele (S. Mbhele 75’), S. George (M. Thikazi 68’)