Mthembu hands AmaZulu win over SuperSport
AmaZulu FC claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win over SuperSport United in the DStv Premiership match at the Jonsson Kings Park Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The win saw Usuthu remain sixth on the league standings, but they are two points behind fourth-placed Swallows FC, while Matsatsantsa remained second on the log.
Usuthu started the match brightly, with Augustine Mulenga looking lively for the hosts and he had a golden opportunity to score in the 11th minute.
However, the ball was cleared away before the Zambia international could pounce and score to hand the home side the lead.
Mulenga made amends in the 24th minute when he provided the assist for the opening goal following a mistake by SuperSport defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe.
Ditlhokwe gave away possession and Mulenga quickly set-up Siphelele Mthembu, who scored with a tap in to make it 1-0 to AmaZulu.
Matsatsantsa then piled pressure on Usuthu, with Grant Lungu being denied by goalkeeper Veli Mothwa, who also finger-tipped Guily Manziba's dangerous cross over the crossbar.
AmaZulu then contained SuperSport and the hosts were leading 1-0 at the interval.
Matsatsantsa pushed for the equalising goal after the restart, but they were frustrated by the Usuthu defence which was led by Mbongeni Gumede.
Evans Rusike was introduced by SuperSport head coach Kaitano Tembo as the visitors looked to level matters against AmaZulu.
The visitors attacked in numbers, but they were left vulnerable at the back as Zukile Kewuti forced SuperSport keeper Ronwen Willams into a good save in the 69th minute.
Usuthu defended very well at the back in the closing stages of the match with coach Benni McCarthy having introduced defender Samkelo Mgwazela.
Ultimately, AmaZulu emerged 1-0 winners over SuperSport, who extended their winless run to three matches.
AmaZulu (1) 1 (Mthembu 24')
SuperSport 0
AmaZulu: Mothwa, Sikhakhane, Mabiliso, Gumede, Xoki, Makhaula, Sithebe, Mlambo (Kewuti 63'), Mthembu (Majoro 81'), Memela (Chawapiwa 71'), Mulenga (Mgwazela 81')
SuperSport: Williams, Kekana, Fleurs, Ditlhokwe, Bhasera (Rayners 70'), Manziba (Webber 79') Mbule, Mokoena, Mahachi, Lungu (Rusike 59'), Grobler.