AmaZulu ended their two-game losing run in the DStv Premiership after a narrow 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United on Wednesday evening.
Usuthu brought back Ben Motshwari, Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Celimpilo Ngema, as three changes from their loss against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Sekhukhune, on the other hand, made four alterations after their draw against Stade Malien in the CAF Confederation Cup, as Daniel Cardoso, Tashreeq Morris and Siphesihle Mkhize were recalled and Katlego Mkhabela made his first start of the league season.
AmaZulu had a bright start as 11 minutes in, Junior Dion forced a save out of goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner.
Usuthu's pressure finally paid off on 23 minutes as Dion broke the deadlock with a strike in the box against the run of play.
Pablo Franco Martin's charges dropped deep in their own half after going ahead and made life difficult for Babina Noko to create chances and managed to to head to the interval with a narrow lead.
Lehlohonolo Seema brought on Kamohelo Mokotjo in place of in place of Vusimuzi Mncube at half-time and Sekhukhune had a good combination play early in the second and started to threaten more.
Sekhukhune continued to pile on the pressure as on the hour-mark they brought on Chibuike Ohizu in place of Morris for fresh.
The visitors gained momentum after that, as they pressurized AmaZulu but they could not yet trouble goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela.
AmaZulu defended in numbers in the dying minutes and held on to end their two-game losing streak in the league, while also leapfrogging Sekhukhune up to tenth on the table with 18 points.
Confirmed line-ups:
AmaZulu: Mzimela, Jooste, Hanamub, Fielies, Mobara, Mphahlele, Motshwari, Ngema, Dion, Moremi, Esktein
Subs: Mothwa, Zulu, Gumede, Brooks, Human, Mbanjwa, Ndlovu, Kwem, Letsoalo
Sekhukhune United: Learner, Mkhabela, Ntiya-Ntiya, Cardoso, Baartman, Mokhele, Mokwana, Webber, Morris, Mkhize, Mncube
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