AmaZulu beat Arrows in KZN Derby

Siyethemba Mnguni of AmaZulu challenged by Thuso Phala of Supersport United during the Absa Premiership 2017/18 match between Supersport United and AmaZulu at Lucas Moripe Stadium, Atteridgeville South Africa on 31 January 2018 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Saturday Feb 03, 2018. 22:38

AmaZulu FC defeated Lamontville Golden Arrows 2-1 in an Absa Premiership match at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday night.

As a result, Usuthu climb up to seventh spot on the league standings, while Abafana Bes'thende move down to 12th spot on the table.

Usuthu and their Kwazulu-Natal rivals, Abafana Bes'thende launched attacks in the opening exchanges as they looked to break the deadlock.

Knox Mutizwa, who had scored against Baroka FC last weekend, worked tirelessly for Abafana Bes’thende in the stages of the game.

However, the AmaZulu defence which was marshaled by Mbongeni Gumede managed to contain the Zimbabwean striker.

Usuthu pushed for the opening goal after the half-hour mark, but they could not beat Arrows goalkeeper Nkosingiphile Gumede from the several free-kicks that they were awarded.

Mzwandile Buthelezi, the Arrows defender, did well to stop AmaZulu winger Ovidy Karuru, who was looking beat Gumede just before half-time.

AmaZulu and Arrows were locked at 0-0 at half-time.

An entertaining second-half followed in the KwaZulu-Natal Derby as Mutizwa scored to make it 1-0 to Arrows in the 51st minute.

However, in the 59th minute AmaZulu levelled matters through Siyethemba Mnguni, who scored with a good finish to make it 1-1 for the hosts.

The winger then grabbed his brace when he beat Gumede to make it 2-1 to AmaZulu three minutes after the hour-mark.

Arrows were then reduced to 10 men when Danny Venter was sent off with 17 minutes left on the clock as AmaZulu looked to extend their lead.

However, Usuthu's hardman Michael Morton was also sent off in the closing stages, but AmaZulu held on to their lead and ultimately, they won 2-1 on the night.

AmaZulu (0) 2 (Mnguni 59', 63')
Arrows (0) 1 (Mutizwa 51')

AmaZulu: Mbatha S, Gumede M, Mabiliso, Nyongo, Ouro-Akoriko, Ncube, Morton, Mnguni (Darpoh 77'), Karuru (Dlamini S 88'), Nomvethe (Ncobeni 83'), Khenyeza.

Arrows: Gumede, Buthelezi, Shongwe (Lamola 67'), Mahachi, Mzava, Nonyane, Venter, Ndwandwe (Magubane 63'), Mutizwa, Zuke, Mngwengwe.