There was a dramatic finish in the KwaZulu-Natal derby as Maritzburg United and AmaZulu drew 1-1 at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday night.
Maritzburg gave on-loan Orlando Pirates forward Kwame Peprah his debut in the line-up alongside first starts for Jose Ali Meza and Bradley Cross, while Usuthu, meanwhile, handed Sibusiso Mabiliso only his second start of the campaign tagging along recalls for Veluyeke Zulu and Sphesihle Maduna.
Romain Folz’s charges were forceful in the early stages, as they put United under pressure and Abbubaker Mobara came close to capping off their dominance with a goal on 22 minutes with a dipping strike from just outside the box that brought the best out of goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner.
Today’s Results
Maritzburg 1 – 1 AmaZulu FC
Swallows 1 – 0 Richards Bay DstvPrem PSL DSTVPREMIERSHIP pic.twitter.com/ukB3UfJ99Z— M T H I N A Y I ♠️ (@MthinayiNxumalo) February 3, 2023
The Team of Choice weathered the storm in rainy conditions and ten minutes later Peprah punished AmaZulu after he guided a diving header past shot-stopper Veli Mothwa from a cross by Karim Kimvuidi following a corner.
Usuthu were subdued after that as they could re-establish their rhythm going forward and Fadlu Davids’ men were happy to keep their shape at the back and went to the interval with a narrow lead.
The game opened up early in the second stanza as Genino Palace had a chance to double the lead for United after he was left unmarked on the edge of the box to have a go at Mothwa but dragged his shot just wide.
