Lebyane at the death for Stars

Aleni Lebyane was the hero with a strike deep into injury-time.

Usuthu were nearly off to a perfect start when Tsweu Mokoro’s second-minute free-kick headed goalwards, until Ea Lla Koto keeper Kennedy Mweene intervened to make a fine save.

But after that it was the visiting team who were the busier in attack, only to be denied on countless occasions by Tapuwa Kapini. Zakari Morou had two attempts for the visiting side, before Edward Mnqele’s effort was well saved.

AmaZulu did manage to create some chances, but Sibusiso Hadebe could not beat Mweene.

The second half for the most part saw Ea La Koto enjoying the upper hand, having a string of shots on goal, and also hitting the bar.

Stars continued to pressure the Usuthu defence right up until the final whistle and they finally got their reward when Aleni Lebyane headed home Noah Chivuta’s free-kick in the 94th minute.

This after Stars had Celani Vilane sent off for a second bookable offence with five minutes to go.