AmaZulu ended Marumo Gallants' winning start to the Betway Premiership season with a 1-0 win on Wednesday night.
Usuthu restored Ben Motshwari for Bongani Zungu following their last encounter with Mamelodi Sundowns, while Jaison Clifford earned a start for the visitors after netting the winner off the bench against Orlando Pirates a week ago.
After a quiet opening, Clifford came closest to the opener midway through the first period when his free-kick from the edge of the area sailed narrowly past the top corner.
With the half heading to a close, Usuthu struck the opener on the cusp of the interval through a first-time finish by Keegan Allan from Hendrick Ekstein’s free-kick.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa, who have had positive start to the season, looked to level matters after the break with a succession of offensive forays but they couldn’t unlock the host.
However, the home team looked to make the contest more comfortable a little later following a surging run from the right by Tebogo Mashigo into the box, but the winger was denied.
Mashigo unfortunately got in tussle from a follow-on challenge and was stretchered off the field, leaving Asanda Mzobe to take his place for the latter stages of the second half.
Gallants were close to getting the equaliser at the death when a cross into the area found the head of Daniel Msendami who headed off the upright, as Usuthu held on for the win.
Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images
Confirmed line-ups:
AmaZulu: Johnson, Radebe, Mthethwa, Fielies, Allan, Hanamub, Hlangabeza, Ekstein, Motshwari, Mashigo, Ngwenya
Subs: Mzimela, Mzobe, Dube, Ngcobo, Mbanjwa, Zikhali, Sithole, Thabede, Moon
Marumo Gallants: Arubi, Ncube, Chabatsane, Sikhosane, Mabotja, Clifford, Mphambaniso, Nhlapo, Msendami, Sithole, Khumalo
Subs: Mlambo, Sithole, Mbhele, James, Mashao, Mathiane, Motloung, Mhlongo, Mabuza
