AmaZulu hold off Kruger United to reach Carling Knockout quarter-finals

AmaZulu extended their winning run to five matches with a 1-0 victory over newly promoted Kruger United on Sunday, securing their place in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals.

Hendrick Ekstein scored the decisive goal in the 75th minute after Tatenda Tavengwa won a penalty for Usuthu.

AmaZulu arrived at the fixture having recorded four consecutive victories, while Kruger United were attempting to build on their win against Chippa United the previous weekend and end the visitors’ momentum.

The in-form side made the brighter start and nearly took the lead inside the opening 10 minutes. Taariq Fielies met a corner at the near post but tried an ambitious backheel that went wide of the far post.

AmaZulu continued to threaten and created another opportunity when Mlondi Mbanjwa made a late run into the box to meet a cross-field pass from the right. His header was kept out by Marcel Dandjinou, who stood tall to deny him.

Kruger United were under sustained pressure but survived another scare when Athini Maqokolo joined the attack and reached Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya’s cutback. However, Maqokolo lifted his close-range effort over the crossbar.

The Believers began to settle as the half progressed. Former AmaZulu player Celimpilo Ngema then tested Olwethu Mzimela with a fierce low free-kick from just outside the penalty area, but the goalkeeper dealt with the effort.

Ekstein settles contest

Kruger United started the second half with greater purpose and forced AmaZulu onto the defensive. Motsie Matima found room on the far side after intercepting possession and struck a powerful effort that tested Mzimela.

The AmaZulu goalkeeper was again called upon soon afterwards, getting down on his goal-line to stop another low shot from Ngema taken from the edge of the area.

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane responded before the 60-minute mark by making a change, replacing leading scorer Ngwenya with experienced midfielder Ekstein.

The substitution helped Usuthu regain control during the final quarter of the match. Their pressure eventually brought a reward when Tavengwa earned a penalty in the 75th minute.

Ekstein took responsibility and converted confidently to put AmaZulu ahead.

Kruger United continued to push for an equaliser and almost drew level in stoppage time. In the first minute of additional time, Mzimela produced a remarkable save to keep out a powerful strike from Lesedi Kapinga.

The midfielder previously played for Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, but his effort was not enough to prevent AmaZulu from progressing to the last eight.

Kruger United’s next five fixtures are against Richards Bay at home, Polokwane City away, Mamelodi Sundowns at home, Golden Arrows away and Siwelele FC at home.

AmaZulu will face Golden Arrows at home, Kaizer Chiefs away, Milford at home, Sekhukhune United away and Chippa United away in their next five matches.