AmaZulu Halt Marumo Gallants’ Winning Run with Narrow Victory

AmaZulu brought an end to Marumo Gallants’ perfect start in the Betway Premiership season with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday night.

Usuthu made key adjustments from their last outing against Mamelodi Sundowns, with Ben Motshwari reclaiming his place in midfield ahead of Bongani Zungu. For the visitors, Jaison Clifford earned a starting role after scoring the decisive goal against Orlando Pirates in their previous fixture.

The first half offered limited chances until Clifford nearly broke the deadlock midway through with a curling free-kick that narrowly missed the top corner. Just as the half looked to close without goals, AmaZulu struck. Hendrick Ekstein delivered a pinpoint free-kick that found Keegan Allan, who finished first-time to give the home side a 1-0 lead at the break.

Gallants returned stronger in the second half, pressing forward in search of an equaliser. Their attacking push saw several promising runs into the final third, but the AmaZulu defense remained firm. Usuthu almost doubled their lead when Tebogo Mashigo cut in from the right and forced a save inside the area, but he was later stretchered off after a heavy collision. Asanda Mzobe replaced him for the remainder of the game.

In the final minutes, Gallants nearly found the leveller when Daniel Msendami rose highest to meet a cross, only to see his header cannon off the upright. AmaZulu held their ground to secure three vital points, ending Gallants’ unbeaten start.

The result lifts Usuthu’s confidence as they continue to build momentum in the league, while Gallants will look to regroup after their first setback of the season.

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