Tshakhuma fight back to hold AmaZulu
Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila drew 1-1 with AmaZulu FC in the DStv Premiership match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday evening.
The draw left Vhadau Vha Damani and Usuthu placed ninth and 10th respectively on the league standings.
Vhadau Vha Damani were the better side in the opening stages with Brandon Theron and Lerato Lamola looking lively in the wings.
The duo was playing balls into the box in search of centre forwards Justin Shonga and Rhulani Manzini, but Usuthu dealt well with the crosses.
AmaZulu grew in confidence as the match progressed and they managed to break the deadlock in the 33rd minute after three former Orlando Pirates players combined.
Siphelele Mthembu controlled the ball well, before playing it out wide to Augustine Mulenga on the right hand side.
The Zambian attacker then whipped a good cross into the box and Luvuyo Memela connected beautifully with the ball to make it 1-0 to AmaZulu.
Vhadau Vha Damani tried to respond with goal and they were were awarded a free-kick in promising area.
However, Shonga placed his effort went narrowly wide of the target from the set-piece and the score was 1-0 to AmaZulu during the halftime break.
The two teams attacked each other in the opening stages of the second-half as Manzini was brilliantly denied by AmaZulu goalkeeper Veli Mothwa.
At the other end, Mthembu missed a sitter after being sent through on goal having rounded Tshakhuma keeper Washington Arubi within the first 10 minutes of the second-half.
The hosts then levelled matters when Manzini beat Mothwa with a thunderous effort from a free-kick to make it 1-1 two minutes before the hour-mark.
The momentum was with Vhadau Vha Damani and Shonga forced Mothwa into a brilliant low save as the home side looked to take the lead for the first time on the night.
AmaZulu coach Ayanda Dlamini introduced attack-minded Somila Ntsundwana as the visitors searched for a late winning goal.
Both teams launched late attacks, but they could not find the back of the net and ultimately, Tshakhuma and AmaZulu drew 1-1 on the night.
Tshakhuma (0) 1 (Manzini 58')
AmaZulu (1) 1 (Memela 33')
TEAMS:
Tshakhuma: Arubi, Lukhubeni, Ndengane, Ravhuhali, Thangwane, Ngema, Theron (Mpambaniso 77'), Shonga, Lamola (Ngele 60'), Manaka, Manzini.
AmaZulu:Mothwa, Sikhakhane, Masilela, Mzava, Khumalo, Makhaula, Sithebe (Magubane 84'), Ncube (Mlambo 65'), Mulenga, Memela, Mthembu (Ntsundwana 76').