Hendrick Ekstein penalty sends AmaZulu into Carling Knockout last eight

AmaZulu booked their place in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday.

Hendrick Ekstein came off the bench to score the only goal of the match in the second half, securing a place in the last eight alongside Golden Arrows and Siwelele.

The result extended AmaZulu’s strong run of form. Usuthu arrived having won their previous four league matches and successfully carried that momentum into the cup competition.

Their most recent defeat came on August 26, when they were beaten 5-2 by Mamelodi Sundowns in a league match in Pretoria. With their current run continuing, AmaZulu will be hopeful of making a deep run in the Carling Knockout.

Kruger United had been looking to follow their 1-0 win over Chippa United with consecutive victories for the first time in their debut season. However, despite a promising display, the hosts were unable to achieve that target.

Kruger made the brighter start and created several opportunities to break the deadlock, but could not find a finish. AmaZulu also threatened at times without converting their chances.

The Village Boys ended the opening period with greater control as they continued to search for the first goal. AmaZulu allowed their opponents more possession and looked to attack on the counter, a tactic that almost produced a breakthrough during one transition.

Kruger maintained their dominance after the interval and continued to create openings, although their finishing remained unsuccessful. AmaZulu, meanwhile, found it harder to produce the number of chances they had managed in the first half.

The decisive moment came in the 78th minute. Kruger defender Tatenda Tavengwa was penalised for handling the ball inside the area, giving AmaZulu a penalty.

Ekstein took responsibility and converted from the spot, sending the ball past the Kruger goalkeeper to put Usuthu in front.

The hosts responded by committing players forward in search of an equaliser. Lesedi Kapinga came close in the closing stages when he tried his luck from outside the penalty area, but AmaZulu goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela tipped the effort behind for a corner.

AmaZulu held firm during the final stages to secure their place in the quarter-finals. Kruger coach Abram Mongoya can take encouragement from his team’s performance, despite the cup exit.