AmaZulu suffered a devastating 1-0 defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns in Tuesday’s Betway Premiership clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium, with the visitors scoring in the closing minutes despite being reduced to 10 men.
The first half saw Sundowns control much of the possession, with Khuliso Mudau creating several threatening moments.
However, Usuthu’s defensive organisation held firm, even surviving a clear chance from Mudau just before the break.
The match took a dramatic turn in the second half when Sundowns’ goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, recently crowned CAF Goalkeeper of the Year, was dismissed for handling the ball outside his area.
This seemed to swing momentum in AmaZulu’s favor, and the home side came agonisingly close to taking the lead when they struck the woodwork. However, despite the numerical advantage, Usuthu couldn’t capitalise on their opportunities.
A late free-kick from Teboho Mokoena created chaos in the box, allowing Iqraam Rayners to snatch a winner for the visitors, leaving the home crowd stunned.
The result was particularly difficult to take given AmaZulu’s resilient performance and the fact that they had an extra player advantage for a significant portion of the second half.
Despite the disappointment, the team showed they could go toe-to-toe with the league leaders for much of the match.
AmaZulu 0 (0)
Mamelodi Sundowns (0) 1 (Rayners 90’)
AmaZulu: R. Ofori, W. Jooste (B. Haba 86’), R. Mphahlele, T. Fielies, R. Hanamub, B. Motshwari, T. Moremi, M. Mbanjwa (E. Brooks 72’), H. Ekstein, R. Human, J. Dion (A. Mobara 46’)
Mamelodi Sundowns: R. Williams (RED CARD 58’), D. Lunga (T. Morena 86’), R. De Reuck, M. Khoza, K. Mudau, A. Modiba (D. Onyango 63’), T. Mokoena, S. Mkhulise (B. Aubaas 46’), K. Kodisang (K. Letlhaku 46’), I. Rayners, L. Ribeiro (P. Shalulile 86’)
