AmaZulu FC missed a crucial opportunity to climb to third place in the
Betway Premiership after falling to a 2-0 defeat against Richards Bay FC on
Friday night at the Richards Bay Stadium.
The hosts capitalized on a strong start, opening the scoring in the 15th
minute. After goalkeeper Darren Johnson parried a Gabadinho Mhango free-kick
back into danger, Mthembu was on hand to bundle the ball home from close
range.
AmaZulu struggled to create clear chances for much of the first half, with
their best opportunity falling to Athini Maqokolo, who failed to hit the
target after a surging run from defender Taariq Fielies.
Usuthu emerged with more intent after the break and should have equalized,
but Richards Bay keeper Richard Otieno made a crucial one-on-one save to
deny Maqokolo. Coach Arthur Zwane introduced Thabiso Kutumela and Andiswa
Sithole in a bid to spark a comeback, but the changes yielded little reward.
Instead, Richards Bay sealed the victory with six minutes remaining, as
Wandile Ngema found the net to double their lead and secure three points
that propel the Natal Rich Boyz up to ninth in the table.
Line-Ups:
Richards Bay: Otieno, Mabuya, Mntungwa, Zulu, Zuke, Mthethwa, Ngema, Mhango,
Zikhali, Mutizwa.
Subs: Magoola, Vilakazi, Nomvete, Mangolo, Nzimande, Thikazi, Nombengula,
Mahala, Mbambo
AmaZulu: Johnson, Radebe, Hanamub, Mthethwa, Fielies, Hlangabeza, Bern,
Ngcobo, Maqokolo, Ekstein
Subs: Mzimela, Dube, Mbanjwa, Zikhali, Thabede, Sithole, Mashigo, Kambindu,
Kutumela
