AmaZulu desperate to end losing streak

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Jan 19, 2018. 06:11

AmaZulu will be desperate to end their losing streak in the Absa Premiership when they host SuperSport United at King Zwelithini Stadium on 20 January 2018, kick-off at 20h15.

AmaZulu suffered a third successive league loss and saw their winless run extended to seven matches when they were beaten 2-0 at Baroka FC on January 14. The Durban side has not won a league match since beating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 away in October.

Usuthu have claimed just 10 points from eight home matches this season. Their only wins as hosts came against Free State Stars and Bidvest Wits within the first two months of the 2017/18 campaign.

SuperSport broke an eight-match winless streak with a 1-0 victory at Maritzburg United on January 2017. The result brought the Tshwane side their first three-pointer since November 2017 and a first goal since their 1-1 draw with Bloemfontein Celtic on December 20.

Matsatsantsa have claimed eight points from as many away matches this season. Their win at Maritzburg in midweek was their first victory on the road since defeating Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 back in August last year.
In head-to-head stats, SuperSport and AmaZulu have met in 40 league matches since 1990. Matsatsantsa have claimed 19 wins compared to 12 for Usuthu, while nine matches have been drawn. The Durban side has won nine of their 21 home league matches against the Tshwane club, suffering seven defeats in the process.

The teams last met in two entertaining games in the 2014/15 season: AmaZulu claimed a stunning 5-2 win in Tshwane in the first half of the campaign, but SuperSport took revenge with a 3-1 victory in Durban in the return game. There has not been a home win in this rivalry since the 2012/13 season when Matsatsantsa triumphed 3-0 in Tshwane.

AmaZulu’s line-up from their 2-0 loss to Baroka on January 14: Mbatha S, Sikhakhane (Nomvethe 66'), Mabiliso, Gumede M, Nyongo, Ncube, Darpoh (Ramphele 65'), Ncobeni, Karuru, Ntsundwana (Manzini 46').

SuperSport’s line-up from their 1-0 win over Maritzburg on January 17: Pieterse, Kekana, Daniels, Gould, Boateng, Phala, Letsholonyane, Furman, Modiba, Mnyamane (Mbule 55’), Nkhatha (Egwuekwe 87’).