Hendrick Ekstein was the hero of the night scoring a winning goal of the game, which became Usuthu’s ticket to the Nedbank Cup Quarter Finals.
AmaZulu FC secured their spot in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals through a 1-0 victory to Richards Bay FC on Friday night.
Usuthu Head Coach Arthur Zwane handed a recall to veteran midfielder Hendrick Ekstein, who came into the starting line-up in place of Mlondi Mbanjwa.Meanwhile, Elmo Kambindu was included in the matchday squad for the first time since November, boosting Usuthu’s options ahead of the encounter.
Both teams approached the clash with intent and showed no willingness to sit back, much to the delight of the vibrant crowd at Umhlathuze Sports Complex. Despite the positive tempo and attacking mindset from both sides, genuine scoring opportunities proved few and far between at either end of the pitch.
The game’s first clear-cut chance went the way of AmaZulu F.C. in the 33rd minute when Nkosikhona Radebe delivered a teasing cross into the area for Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya. However, with only goalkeeper Richard Otieno to beat, Ngwenya guided his header wide of the target, letting a golden opportunity slip.
Otieno proved crucial in ensuring the scores remained level at the interval, producing an excellent reaction save to tip away Rian Hanamub’s curling free-kick.
At the other end, AmaZulu F.C. goalkeeper Darren Johnson endured a relatively quiet first half, called into action only for a handful of routine stops during the opening 45 minutes.
Eight minutes into the second half , the visitors finally broke the deadlock. Ekstein reacted quickly inside the six-yard box after a mis-timed clearance from Rich boys captain Simphiwe Mcineka, before lobbing Otieno from a tight angle to hand his side the lead.
The Natal Rich Boyz looked to spark a response by introducing a seasoned campaigner of their own, as striker Knox Mutizwa replaced Siyabonga Nzama upfront for the final 25 minutes.
Usuthu responded with changes of their own shortly thereafter, with Hendrick Ekstein and Langelihle Mhongo making way for Mlondi Mbanjwa and Luyolo Slatsha as Usuthu sought to manage the closing stages of the contest.
Simphiwe Mcineka almost redeemed for his earlier mistake with eight minutes remaining, rising to meet a dangerous free-kick inside the area. However, his first-time effort was superbly palmed away on the goal-line by AmaZulu F.C.goalkeeper Darren Johnson, preserving his side’s slender advantage.
Usuthu had an opportunity to score a second goal advantage in the 85th minute when their captain Rian Hanamub dished a ball for Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, but the forward blazed his effort over the crossbar from close range with the goal at his mercy.
Despite the late miss, Arthur Zwane’s charges held firm in the closing stages to protect their slender lead and secure a place in the Nedbank quarter-finals.