With the season nearing its dramatic conclusion, AmaZulu FC missed an opportunity to strengthen their push for a top-four finish after falling to a 1-0 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs in a tense Betway Premiership encounter on the penultimate match-day of the campaign.
Usuthu started brightly and should have taken an early lead when Athini Maqokolo’s close-range header was brilliantly saved by Brandon Petersen, who also denied Liam Bern on the rebound. Chiefs responded through the lively Mfundo Vilakazi, whose deflected effort drifted over the bar as he continued to trouble the hosts with his dangerous runs down both flanks.
The home side remained on the front foot for much of the first half, forcing Chiefs deep into their own half, but failed to make their dominance count.
After the break, both sides created chances in an open contest. Vilakazi forced Olwethu Mzimela into a smart low save before Usuthu broke quickly through Nkosikhona Radebe and Maqokolo, only for Petersen to deny Hendrick Ekstein in a one-on-one situation. Chiefs threatened again through Reeve Frosler, whose far-post effort was tipped over by Mzimela.
Usuthu missed their best chance in the 66th minute when Maqokolo raced through on goal but fired wide. They were made to pay soon after as Glody Lilepo bundled home from close range for the travellers. The forward’s celebrations turned bizarre when he removed his shirt despite already being booked, receiving a second yellow card and being sent off.
Arthur Zwane’s side pushed hard for a late equaliser against ten men, but a disciplined Chiefs defence, marshalled by Petersen, held firm to secure the win.
Post-match, Zwane lamented his side’s failure to convert their opportunities, insisting his side had executed their game plan well despite the defeat.
“Our downfall is not taking our chances” said Zwane. “Chiefs had the ball, but we set traps and they fell for them. In the first half alone we had six or seven break attacks. We had a clear header from Sandile (Mthethwa) that could have given us the lead, but we didn’t capitalise, and there were many other moments too. “If there was one team that deserved to be winning in the first half, it was us.”
AmaZulu FC: Mzimela (Ofori (90′), Hanamub, Fielies, Mthethwa, Allan (Masuku 76′), Radebe, Zikhali, Bern (Mbanjwa 77′), Maqokolo, Mathloko (Kutumela 85′), Ekstein (Mhlongo 85′)
Kaizer Chiefs: Petersen, Msimango, Cross, McCarthy, Frosler, Maboe, Ngcobo (Ndlovu 72′), Lilepo (S/O 67), Chislett (Mmodi 71′), Vilakazi (Miguel 82′), Silva (Morris 61′)