AmaZulu FC secured a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Stellenbosch FC in a DStv Premiership match at the Jonsson Kings Park Stadium on Friday evening.
The win saw Usuthu climb up to seventh place on the league standings – leapfrogging Kaizer Chiefs, while Stellies remained 10th on the log.
Stellies saw most of the ball in the opening stages, but it was Usuthu, who nearly took the lead through Robyn Johannes’ own-goal.
Lehlohonolo Majoro played a quality cross into the opposition’s box in the 17th minute and Johannes deflected the ball onto the crossbar and the visitors clear their lines.
Stellies looked dangerous every time they pushed forward with speedy attackers Ashley Du Preez, Dean Van Rooyen and Stanley Dimgba leading the visitors’ attack.
The deadlock was broken in the 27th minute when Dimgba’s delightful cross found Marc Van Heerden, who fired home from close range to make it 1-0 to Stellenbosch.
Usuthu then pushed forward as they looked to level matters with Majoro working hard upfront and one of his runs led to the hosts’ equalizing goal in the 41st minute.
The ball fell kindly for Bonginkosi Ntuli in the box and he fired past Stellenbosch goalkeeper Lee Langeveldt to make it 1-1 heading into the half-time break.
It took a minute for Usuthu to take the lead in the second-half following their half-time team talk with coach Benni McCarthy.
Majoro’s initial shot was blocked by Langeveldt at the neat-post and the former Orlando Pirates striker hit the back of the net from the rebound to make it 2-1 to AmaZulu.
Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker introduced Leletu Skelem on the hour-mark as Stellies searched for the equalizing goal in Durban.
Usuthu defended too deep in the closing stages of the match – allowing Stellies to dominate possession and launch attacks.
Skelem’s volleyed effort was easily saved by AmaZulu keeper Veli Mothwa in the 75th minute as the Western Cape-based side pushed for a late equalizing goal.
Stellenbosch were frustrated by the hosts’ tight defence and they were unable to seriously test Mothwa and ultimately, the game ended in a 2-1 win in favour of AmaZulu.
AmaZulu (1) 2 (Ntuli 42′, Majoro 46′)
Stellenbosch (1) 1 (Van Heerden 27′)
AMAZULU: Mothwa, Sikhakhane (Mzava 83′), Mabiliso, Gumede, Xoki, Makhaula, Sithebe, Mlambo (Ncube 60′), Memela (Mulenga 46′), Majoro (Magubane 75′), Ntuli (Mthembu 46′).
STELLENBOSCH: Langeveldt, Van Heerden, Johannes (Msengi 74′), Robertson, Mthethwa (Macheke 74′), Van Rooyen, Nange, Scott, Du Preez (Skelem 60′), Dimgba (Moon 82′), Adams. © Backpage TXT.
SOURCED FROM THE PSL WEBSITE.
