Staff Reporter.
AmaZulu FC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in Saturday evening’s Carling Knockout last 16 encounter at the FNB Stadium.
The win saw Usuthu progress to the quarterfinals of the lucrative tournament and they will be looking to make it two wins in a row when they take on Orlando Pirates on October 24 in a DStv Premiership clash.
On the other hand, Chiefs, who are the most successful club in the history of the competition with 13 titles, bowed out of the tournament and they will now square off with Golden Arrows on October 28.
Although Usuthu threatened first in the ninth minute as Tshepang Moremi forced goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune into making a save, Amakhosi controlled the match and they created more chances than the away side.
Reeve Frosler’s cross found Tebogo Potsane whose header was saved by Veli Mothwa in the 16th minute and the tall keeper also denied Ranga Chivaviro in the 20th minute to ensure the first-half ended with the two sides locked at 0-0.
Chiefs struggled to create clear-cut chances after the restart and coach Molefi Ntseki decided to introduce goalscoring midfielder Edson Castillo and striker Jasond Gonzalez four minutes after the hour-mark.
However, the hosts grabbed a late winning goal when their new signings combined well – Celimpilo Ngema set up Taariq Fielies who netted with a well-taken shot to hand AmaZulu a 1-0 victory over Chiefs.