AmaZulu and SuperSport United played out a goalless stalemate in their catch-up DStv Premiership fixture played at the Kings Park Stadium in Durban on Tuesday evening.

The result, which saw both teams end the game with 10 men, means Usuthu have still not scored a goal this season and find themselves in 15th place on the log, while Matsatsantsa move up to second spot on five points, two adrift of leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

AmaZulu had the first notable attack of the game, with a move built down their left flank ending with Makhehlene Makhaula shooting high and wide from long range in the 11th minute.

A short while later it was SuperSport’s turn to threaten, as Jesse Donn and Iqraam Rayners combined well to tee up Kudkwashe Mahachi for a shot, but his effort was straight at goalkeeper Veli Mothwa.

On 26 minutes Usuthu nearly claimed the lead through winger Thabo Qalinge, who unleashed a shot from the right of the penalty area which was tipped over the crossbar for a corner kick by United’s Ronwen Williams.

Matsatsantsa created the best chance of the first half on 36 minutes when the pace of Iqraam Rayners saw him sprint in behind the hosts’ defence, but he was denied one-on-on-one by Mothwa to ensure the interval arrived with the teams level at 0-0.

The start of the second half was delayed by approximately 15 minutes due to an issue with the stadium lights. Once back underway, SuperSport made a tactical switch by withdrawing wide man Mahachi for striker Thamsanqa Gabuza.

The introduction of his usual strike partner seemed to bring Bradley Grobler to life, as he first sent a shot wide of the mark early in the second half and then saw a goal-bound header from a corner kick turned away by Mothwa just before the hour mark.

AmaZulu’s hopes of seizing control of the game were scrapped on 74 minutes when defender Tercious Malepe received a straight red card for a studs-up challenge which caught the ankle of Jamie Webber.

SuperSport, with a numerical advantage, enjoyed a spell of dominance and should have claimed a winning goal on 86 minutes when Siyabonga Nhlapo’s cross from the right picked out Rayners, who struck an effort over the top from inside the six-yard box.

In the final minute of regulation time United were also reduced to 10 men when Luke Fleurs received a second yellow card and was shown his marching orders. Usuthu were boosted by a return to parity but could not find a way to sneak a late winner.

SuperSport will return to DStv Premiership action this coming weekend, as they face Swallows FC away from home on Sunday 19 September, while AmaZulu’s next league match is away to Durban rivals Golden Arrows next Wednesday 22 September.

AmaZulu 0-0 SuperSport United

AmaZulu: Mothwa, Moleko, Xoki, Mzava (Mgwazela 62’), Malepe, Qalinge (Gumede 77’), Sithebe, Makhaula, Buchanan (Maduna 62’), Moremi (Memela 62’), Mthembu (Mlambo 82’)

SuperSport: Williams, Nhlapo, Fleurs, Ditlhokwe, Bhasera, Webber (Manziba 84’), Donn, Mokoena, Mahachi (Gabuza 46’), Rayners, Grobler (Mkhwanazi 90+3’)