AmaZulu bounced back in the Nedbank Cup, defeating Mighty Eagles 5-1 at the King Zwelithini Stadium in their Round of 32 clash on Tuesday evening.
The result means that Usuthu have booked themselves a spot in the Round of 16 of the tournament, recovering well after a recent heavy loss to Stellenbosch in the Betway Premiership.
FULL-TIME ⏰ | #NedbankCup 🏆
— AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) January 28, 2025
Through to the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup.#AmaZuluFC 5⃣ ➖ 1⃣ Mighty Eagles#Isagila #HebeUsuthu #UsuthuTogether pic.twitter.com/aEztE5VWJA
AmaZulu dominated the first half and Sandile Mthethwa, who made his first start for the club, did so in stunning fashion by opening the scoring in the 10th minute.
From there it was one-way traffic as Mlondi Mbanjwa doubled the hosts’ lead in the 20th minute, as Usuthu continued to dominate possession and dictate play against the ABC Motsepe League side.
As the first half drew to a close, the visitors were hardly able to get a foot in and the scoreline was 3-0 at the break with AmaZulu in cruise control.
61' ⏰ | #NedbankCup 🏆
— AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) January 28, 2025
SUBSTITUTION
🔴 Bongani Zungu
🟢 Ben Motshwari#AmaZuluFC 3⃣ ➖ 0⃣ Mighty Eagles#Isagila #HebeUsuthu #UsuthuTogether pic.twitter.com/K19mJv7Y1K
The second half saw the Mighty Eagles begin to pick themselves up and they received their reward when Awonke Mahlabela pulled one back in the 68th minute.
Their joy was short-lived, however, as Mthethwa grabbed his second of the night.
He completed his hat-trick in the 87th minute as Hendrick Ekstein was brought down in the box and he was given the opportunity to score from the spot, converting with ease.
AmaZulu (3) 5 (Mthethwa 10’ 80’, 87’ (P), Mbanjwa 20’, Ighodaro 31’)
Mighty Eagles (0) 1 (Mahlabela 68’)