AmaZulu and Highlands Park played out a goalless stalemate in their Absa Premiership clash at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday night.

The result sees Usuthu remain in 12th place on 17 points from as many matches, while the Lions of the North also stay in ninth with 21 points from the same number of outings.

Chances were few and far between in the first half, with both teams happy to scrap for possession in midfield and try to win the physical battle.

AmaZulu generally enjoyed the better attacking momentum and came close to an opening goal around the quarter hour mark when a corner kick saw Bonginkosi Ntuli head an effort just off target.

Usuthu created the best chance of the half in the 39th minute. Siyathembe Sithebe saw his effort well saved by goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini, before Mbongeni Gumede put his header wide from the rebound. The halftime score was 0-0.

The hosts continued to look strong in the second half, with Tapelo Nyongo seeing a snap shot travelling just wide of the target in the 60th minute.

The frustration continued for both attacks through the second half, though the team in green will feel they should have taken all three points after Sibusiso Mabaliso dragged a shot wide from a clear chance in the 88th minute.

The final effort of the game saw Usuthu’s Sithebe send a long-range effort wide, summing up proceedings as a whole. In the end, the teams had to settle for a point apiece after a stalemate in Umlazi.

AmaZulu will return to Absa Premiership action in midweek when they host Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday 16 January, while Highlands’ next league match is at home to Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday 22 January.

TEAMS

AmaZulu: Mbatha, M. Gumede, Nyongo, Mabaliso, van Heerden, Sithebe, Vilakazi, Darpoh (Ramphele 74’), Karuru (Cele 80’), Tade (Ncobeni 90’), Ntuli

Highlands: Kapini, Fransman, Ramoraka, L. Mokoena, Msimango, Rae, Mbatha, Mahlangu (Haoseb 90’), Shalulile, Ndoro (Motlafi 65’), Mvala.