Staff Reporter.
Maritzburg United were crowned the winners of the KZN Premier’s Cup following a penalty shoot-out victory over AmaZulu on Sunday after playing to a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
Justin Shonga was named in the Usuthu starting line-up by coach Benni McCarthy as he continues to be assessed by the club while Siphelele Mthembu also got a start upfront.
United broke the deadlock after 15 minutes when Rowan Human’s flick set up Richard Zumah who found the bottom corner with an impressive strike.
Amazulu were handed the chance to get back on level terms in the 23rd minute from the penalty spot, which allowed Tapelo Xoki to convert his second penalty for the day.
Team of Choice did restore their lead on 38 minutes as Kewuti tapped home at the far post against his former side after an inviting cross from Brandon Theron.
Usuthu came out firing in the second half restored parity in the 57th minute as Mthembu got beyond the Maritzburg defence before dummying Marcel Engelhardt to slot into an empty net.
Both sides failed to find a winning goal in the latter stages of the second stanza which ultimately sent the clash to a shoot-out.
The Team of Choice edged the shoot-out following five successful conversions, with Judas Moseamedi netting the final kick whilst Xoki missed one for Usuthu.