AmaZulu FC finished fourth in the 2022 Carling Black Label Cup which took place in Johannesburg on a rainy Saturday.
Usuthu were making their debut appearance in the high-profile unofficial tournament which was held at the world class venue, FNB Stadium.
The KwaZulu-Natal giants were beaten 3-0 by fellow debutants Mamelodi Sundowns in the first semi-final match of the one-day tournament.
Goals from Cassius Mailula, Haashim Domingo and Bradley Ralani earned Masandawana a win in a match which saw Usuthu create chances without converting them.
AmaZulu XI against Sundowns: Mothwa, Sikhakhane, Zulu, Mobara (Gumede 46′), Hanamub, Buchanan (Bwalya 46′), Brooks, Makhaula, Ndlovu (Zuma 46′), Mhango (Kwem 70′), Majoro.
Meanwhile, AmaZulu then took on Kaizer Chiefs in the third-place playoff encounter which went straight into a penalty shootout.
Chiefs, who were the defending champions, emerged as 4-2 winners on penalties as Usuthu finished fourth in the competition.
Lehlohonolo Majoro and Makhehleni Makhaula scored, but Ethan Brooks’ effort was saved while Larry Bwalya missed the target and Chiefs converted the decisive penalty.
AmaZulu, who are under the guidance of coach Romain Folz, will now head into a break enforced by the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals in Qatar.
Usuthu’s next match is against Sekhukhune United in Polokwane on December 31 in a DStv Premiership clash.
