AmaZulu F.C. secured a 2–1 victory over provincial rivals Richards Bay F.C. in an entertaining KwaZulu-Natal derby clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
AmaZulu made changes to their lineup, bringing in Olwethu Mzimela and Thabiso Kutumela, while Richards Bay kept a largely unchanged side.
The hosts were forced into an early change when Hlangabeza was substituted due to injury in the 10th minute.
AmaZulu took the lead in the 28th minute when Kutumela produced a powerful strike from a free kick to beat Richards Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno.
Richards Bay responded before halftime. In the 41st minute, Sanele Barns rose highest to head home the equaliser and send the sides into the break level at 1–1.
The second half saw both teams searching for the winner. AmaZulu goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela made an important save in the 56th minute to deny Zikhali’s attempt and keep the scores level.
With the match seemingly heading towards a draw, AmaZulu found the decisive moment in the 83rd minute when Hendrick Ekstein scored to restore the hosts’ lead.
The goal proved enough to separate the sides as AmaZulu held on to secure the 2–1 victory and claim bragging rights in the KZN derby.
AmaZulu will now look to build on this win when they travel to face Polokwane City F.C. on 21 March, while Richards Bay F.C. aim to bounce back as they take on Durban City F.C. away on 22 March.
Image : Amazulufc