Usuthu hearts broken last minute by resilient Downs

AmaZulu were defeated 1-0 by Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

The game was one that was ruled by Sundowns in the first half, as the Pretoria outfit dominated possession. Khuliso Mudau was particularly probing on the right wing, as the hosts held their ground.

Mudau had an opportunity to open the scoring towards the end of the first half but missed what many would call a “sitter”, as he didn’t time his shot well and missed from close range.

The first stanza was a decent performance from AmaZulu as they did well not to concede early against the league leaders. The second half however came with a number of twists and turns.

CAF Goalkeeper of the Year Ronwen Williams was sent off for handling the ball outside of the penalty area, giving the Usuthu faithful a bit of hope to possibly take the lead in the game since they had an extra man as an advantage.

Soon afterwards, Rowan Human had an opportunity to charge forward but he fell to ground and was booked for simulation by the referee as the clock continued to run down.

It was a nervy final 20 minutes for the home team as they hit the woodwork in hopes of grabbing the lead. Teboho Mokoena showed up by taking an impressive free kick on the wing, and the ball made its way into a dangerous position in the box.

Iqraam Rayners made no mistake and finished as he received the ball and hearts were broken in Durban as AmaZulu lost the match late, despite Downs being a man down due to the red card.

AmaZulu 0 (0)

Mamelodi Sundowns (0) 1 (Rayners 90’)

AmaZulu: R. Ofori, W. Jooste (B. Haba 86’), R. Mphahlele, T. Fielies, R. Hanamub, B. Motshwari, T. Moremi, M. Mbanjwa (E. Brooks 72’), H. Ekstein, R. Human, J. Dion (A. Mobara 46’)

Mamelodi Sundowns: R. Williams (RED CARD 58’), D. Lunga (T. Morena 86’), R. De Reuck, M. Khoza, K. Mudau, A. Modiba (D. Onyango 63’), T. Mokoena, S. Mkhulise (B. Aubaas 46’), K. Kodisang (K. Letlhaku 46’), I. Rayners, L. Ribeiro (P. Shalulile 86’)