Ekstein penalty sends AmaZulu into Carling Knockout quarter-finals

AmaZulu reached the Carling Knockout quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday, Hendrick Ekstein’s second-half penalty deciding a closely fought tie.

The substitute converted from the spot in the 78th minute after Kruger defender Tatenda Tavengwa handled the ball inside the penalty area. His finish proved enough to send AmaZulu through to the last eight, alongside Golden Arrows and Siwelele.

AmaZulu arrived in Mbombela in strong form, having won their previous four league matches. Their most recent defeat came on 26 August, when they were beaten 5-2 by Mamelodi Sundowns in a league fixture in Pretoria.

Usuthu will now hope that their current run can carry them deep into the cup competition. Kruger, meanwhile, had been seeking consecutive victories for the first time in their debut season after beating Chippa United 1-0 in their previous match.

The home side made the brighter start and created several opportunities to take the lead, but could not finish them. AmaZulu also threatened at times during an open first half without finding a way past the Kruger defence.

Kruger grew into the contest before the interval and ended the opening 45 minutes as the stronger team. The Village Boys enjoyed possession as they continued to search for an opener, while AmaZulu were content to sit back and look for opportunities on the counter-attack.

That approach nearly brought the visitors a goal when they broke forward during one transition, but neither side could find the decisive touch before half-time.

Kruger continued to control much of the second half and created further chances, although their finishing again let them down. AmaZulu, who had produced more opportunities in the first half, struggled to threaten as frequently after the break.

Despite having less of the ball, AmaZulu took the lead when Tavengwa’s handball gave them a penalty. Ekstein remained composed, sending the spot-kick into the net to put Usuthu in front.

Kruger responded by committing players forward in search of an equaliser. Lesedi Kapinga came close in the final minutes when his effort from outside the penalty area was heading towards goal, but AmaZulu goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela tipped it over for a corner.

AmaZulu held on through the closing stages, defending their lead effectively to secure their place in the quarter-finals. Although Kruger were unable to extend their winning run, coach Abram Mongoya can take encouragement from his side’s performance in defeat.