On Sunday afternoon, AmaZulu put an end to their five-game winless streak in the DStv Premiership with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Chippa United.
Nigerian shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali was recalled between the sticks for the visitors, while Ronald Pfumbidzai was in the centre of defence.
Chippa United 0⃣➖2⃣ AmaZuluSABCSportFootball WeLoveItHere pic.twitter.com/LcIsgd1gfs
— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) March 5, 2023
Both sides came into the clash desperate for maximum points, as Chippa had recently fallen to Swallows FC and Usuthu had not won a league match in five outings.
Clear-cut chances were few and far between in the first half, with Tercious Malepe seeing his header comfortably saved by Nwabali in the opening 15 minutes.
The Chilli Boys were nearly gifted a goal on 34 minutes when goalkeeper Veli Mothwa cleared the ball straight to Ronaldo Maarman, but defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele did well to thwart the Chippa forward.
Gabadinho Mhango did go close with a strike of his own before the break, with Malawian’s low driven strike sailing wide of Nwabali’s goal as the first half ended all square.
AmaZulu coach Romain Folz responded with a change five minutes into the second half, with Guily Manziba making way for Mxolisi Kunene as they pushed for an opening goal.
The visitors got the breakthrough just before the hour mark, as Sede Dion bagged his fourth goal of the campaign with a deflected effort from distance that gave Nwabali no chance.
With Chippa pushing for the equaliser, Usuthu found a second goal with 11 minutes to play as Mbongeni Gumede nodded home from a corner kick to seal the spoils.
The win takes AmaZulu up to eighth spot in the DStv Premiership table, while Chippa find themselves in 13th position, five points above the relegation zone.
