AmaZulu FC secured a crucial 1-0 victory against Cape Town City at the DHL Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with Hendrick Ekstein’s first-half strike proving the difference in an entertaining Betway Premiership encounter.
Both teams showed attacking intent from the opening whistle, with City’s Jaedin Rhodes testing the waters early on. However, it was Usuthu who gradually took control of proceedings, with Riaan Hanamub’s dangerous delivery setting the tone for what was to come.
The breakthrough arrived in the 19th minute when Ekstein, displaying his clinical finishing ability, netted his fourth league goal of the season. The midfielder’s well-timed run and composed finish gave Citizens’ goalkeeper Darren Keet no chance.
Usuthu goalkeeper Richard Ofori proved his worth shortly after, producing a crucial save to deny Prins Tjiueza and maintain the lead going into the break.
The second half saw increased pressure from the hosts, with Darwin Gonzalez and Tjiueza both squandering opportunities to level the score.
Despite City’s persistent attacks and several chances, including efforts from Thamsanqa Mkhize, Usuthu’s defensive resilience held firm until the final whistle.
This valuable away victory sees AmaZulu climb to 11th place in the Betway Premiership standings, leapfrogging their opponents in the process. The result demonstrates the team’s growing confidence and ability to secure important points on the road.
The win marks a positive response from Arthur Zwane and Vusimuzi Vilakazi’s side, who showed both attacking quality and defensive determination to secure all three points in the Mother City.
Cape Town City (0) 0
AmaZulu (1) 0 (Ekstein 19’)
Cape Town City: D. Keet, T. Mkhize (S. Dondolo 75’), A. Ziba, K. Cupido, T. Nyama, J. Rhodes (A. Soukouna 75’), A. Petrus, G. Amato (L. Aphane 83’), D. Gonzalez (S. April 83’), H. Domingo (T. Goedeman 83’), P. Tjiueza
AmaZulu: R. Ofori, R. Hanamub, T. Fielies, R. Mphahlele, W. Jooste, B. Motshwari, R. Human (T. Mashego 73’), H. Ekstein (E. Brooks 79’), M. Mbanjwa (A. Mobara 59’), T. Moremi, E. Ighodaro
