AmaZulu struck late in the second half to secure a 1-0 victory over Royal AM in the Nedbank Cup last 32 on Thursday evening.
Usuthu coach Pablo Franco Martin handed starts to Ben Motshwari, Andile Mbanjwa, Ethan Brooks and Tshepang Moremi after losing to Cape Town Spurs, as the visitors were without Mzwandile Dlamini through suspension.
The home side engineered the better of the chances in the opening half where Augustine Kwem went in from a clever angle to threaten the breakthrough, but he was denied.
Moremi followed suit a while later through a similar opportunity from another cleverly orchestrated build-up towards the six-yard box, but he also failed to rattle the net.
Captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele was keen to get Usuthu on the front-foot later on through a rasping shot from a clever distance, but he slammed the effort wide of the mark.
After a while and with Royal on the back-foot, the host carved out another opening when Wayde Jooste’s curling free-kick found Taariq Fielies at the far post but he headed wide.
Royal AM came to life minutes after halftime and threatened the lead with a quick counter-attack involving, but were met by a charging Olwethu Mzimela.
Martin refreshed the side midway through the second stanza, as Moremi stepped out for Hendrick Ekstein while Kwem was removed for Sede Dion.
Ekstein worked a bit of magic in possession five minutes from time and got the breakthrough after stepping up a few yards to apply a composed close-range finish.
Usuthu managed to hold onto the lead until the full-time whistle, booking their spot in the round of 16 while Royal AM are eliminated.
Confirmed line-ups:
AmaZulu: Mzimela, Jooste, Hanamub, Fielies, Gumede, Mphahlele, Motshwari, Brooks, Kwem, Mbanjwa, Moremi
Subs: Mothwa, Ngobeni, Sikhakhane, Maluleka, Ngema, Mulenga, Ekstein, Dion, Ndlovu
Royal AM: Nyame, Mabuza, Jiyane, Shezi, Matlaba, Mahlasela, Msomi, Magaqa, Masuku, Maxwele, Macuphu,
Subs: Mpoto, Sera, Kobedi, Mashiane, Thikazi, Ndlovu, Sithole, Sikakane, Cele
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