On Sunday afternoon, AmaZulu progressed to the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup after an exciting five-goal thriller against third-tier side Tornado FC at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium.
Usuthu made wholesale changes from their 1-1 draw against Maritzburg United, as new signing Jody February got his debut in a strong line-up that included the return of George Maluleka, Keagan Buchanan, Bonginkosi Ntuli and Gabadinho Mhango.
NedbankCup results today
– AmaZulu 3-2 Tornado FC
– Mkhambathi 0-4 Casric Stars
– TS Galaxy 2-0 Amavarara
– Cape Town City 0-0 Royal AM (Royal AM 4-3 on penalties) pic.twitter.com/Ewue10YoF6— Sinethemba Sithole – Journo (@Sinethembah_) February 12, 2023
AmaZulu were quick off the mark, with Mbongeni Gumede heading in from a flick on by Sandile Khumalo in the 8th minute. Mhango then doubled the lead on the 25th minute with a left-footed volley from Guily Manziba’s cross. Tornado had a few chances of their own, with Jasson Rivaldo coming close to pulling a goal back towards the interval with a low pile-driver that was parried away by February.
Usuthu looked to pick Tornado off on the counter-attack coming from the break, with Mxolisi Kunene missing a good chance after he went through on goal. However, Kunene became the provider of the third goal for AmaZulu just after the hour-mark, when Ntuli guided his cross at the near post into the far post.
Tornado responded with 12 minutes to go, as Mario Katz reduced the deficit with a free header at the back post from a cross by Christoffer Balie. Kenneth Dupane quickly pulled a second goal back after bundling home a cross by Will Squaer, but AmaZulu held on for the win.
AmaZulu will now face Mamelodi Sundowns in the round of 16, with the date and venue yet to be confirmed.
