DURBAN – Smart tactical decisions and good composure from AmaZulu earned the KZN based club a second consecutive DStv Premiership victory as they downed Sellenbosch FC 2-1 at Kings Park Stadium in Durban on Friday night.
It was Stellies who had the first smiles of the game as Marc Van Heerden put his side ahead in the 27th minute and in the process, scored against his former club where he spent seven seasons. The veteran produced good movement and got near the far post to head home a cross provided to him by Stellies livewire Stanley Dimgba.
Out of respect to Usuthu who played a big role in the rise of his football career, Van Heerden opted not to celebrate after scoring, showing respect to his former employers.
AmaZulu started to dominate the game in the last ten minutes of the first half and their pressure paid off as Bongi Ntuli found the back of the net in the 43rd minute, scoring for the second time in his second consecutive start.
Though the striker was lucky to have been gifted the ball in a good position by the Stellies defenders, he proved that he is arguably one of the best finishers in the DSTV Premiership by calmly slotting beyond the reach of goalkeeper Lee Langeveldt.
A few minutes into the second half, Lehlohonolo Majoro gave Usuthu a 2-1 lead. The 34-year-old had his first effort well saved by Langeveldt but managed to strike the rebound into the back of the net.
After being guilty of ball napping in the build up to the Stellies goal, Thembela Sikhakhane repaid Usuthu by producing a fine block to deny a likely goal bound shot by Ashley du Preez in the 55th minute.
Though Stellies fought towards earning an equalizer in the latter stages of the game, Usuthu showed defensive composure to secure a morale-boosting victory.
Next up for McCarthy’s charges will be an home encounter against Bloemfontein Celtic at the Jonsson Kings Park Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
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IOL Sport