AmaZulu returned to winning ways in the Betway Premiership on Friday evening, claiming a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Royal AM at the King Zwelithini Stadium.
From the opening whistle, Usuthu set the pace with Nigerian forward Etiosa Ighodaro proving a constant threat to the Royal AM defence.
Sbangani Zulu had an early chance to put Royal ahead with a header in the 15th minute, but the attempt went narrowly wide.
Despite missing another opportunity shortly after, AmaZulu eventually broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when Hendrick Ekstein slotted home a well-taken goal to give the hosts the lead before halftime.
The Durban-based side carried their momentum into the second half, with Ighodaro providing a perfect assist for Mondli Mbanjwa to double the advantage just three minutes after the restart.
Royal AM fought back, reducing the deficit in the 78th minute with a spectacular strike from Levy Mashiane. However, AmaZulu held their nerve during the tense final stages to secure a crucial three points in the KwaZulu-Natal derby.
AmaZulu: R. Ofori, W. Jooste, R. Mphahlele, T. Fielies, R. Hanamub, C. Ngema, B. Motshwari, M. Mbanjwa (T. Moremi 59’), H. Ekstein (K. Mngonyama 81’), R. Human (M. Gumede 90+2’), E. Ighodaro (S. Ndlovu 82’)
Royal AM: M. Mpoto, T. Matlaba (L. Mashiane 68’), A. Jiyane, S. Zulu, S. Sheri, J. Dlamini, S. Sithole, S. Gumede (P. Sithebe 46’), K. Mahlasela, A. Maxwele (S. Mbhele 75’), S. George (M. Thikazi 68’)
