WITS DEALT TITLE BLOW BY AMAZULU
AmaZulu inflicted another blow to Bidvest Wits’ Absa Premiership title hopes with a 2-0 win over the Clever Boys at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi on Saturday evening.
Bongi Ntuli and Ovidy Karuru found the back of the net for Usuthu who move up to 10th place on the log standings. Wits, who had captain Thulani Hlatshwayo sent off late on, remain in fourth – two points off top spot.
The hosts squandered a gilt-edged chance to take the lead in the 23rd minute. Ntuli showcased a superb turn of pace to turn his defender before racing clear on goal, but Darren Keet was quick off his line to narrow the forward’s angle and duly make a vital save.
Bidvest Wits best chance of the half fell on the cusp of the break. Tapelo Nyongo made up for a defensive error a mere second after failing to clear his lines, denying Sifiso Hlanti from close range.
Somila Ntsundwana emerged from the bench just before the interval and the first-half substitute made the desired impact three minutes into the second.
The attacker beat the offside trap before teeing up Ntuli who made up for his earlier miss, with the simplest of finishes.
Ntsundwana was at it again in the 81st minute. The pacy forward rounded Robyn Johannes before picking out Karuru, who took a superb first touch to lose the covering defender, before sliding the ball into an empty net in the heavy rain.
The Clever Boys’ night went from bad to worse in the 88th minute as Hlatshwayo received his marching orders for a second bookable offence. Defeat means Wits have taken only one point from the last nine on offer.
AmaZulu (0) 2 (Ntuli 48′ Karuru 81′)
Bidvest Wits (0)
AmaZulu: Mbatha; Sikhakhane, Ouro-Akoriko, Nyongo, Mabiliso, Chawapiwa (Ntsundwana 45′), Sithebe, Ncube, Vilakazi, Karuru (Morton 90+3′), Ntuli (Cele 79′).
Bidvest Wits: Keet; Hlatshwayo, Johannes, Hlanti, Hotto (Pelembe 65′), Mzwakali (Dzvukamanja 79′), Monare, Alexander, Claasen (Majoro 55′), Lakay, Motupa.
