Dion’s hat-trick sink Arrows as AmaZulu FC secure CKO semi-final spot

Junior Dion bagged a hat-trick as AmaZulu FC sunk Golden Arrows to secure a spot in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals on Saturday night.

Arrows and AmaZulu FC clashed at Moses Mabhida Stadium with KZN derby bragging rights and a place in the CKO semi-finals up for grabs.

Usuthu came into the tie sweating over the absence of Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Taariq Fielies and Veluyeke Zulu in the centre-back position. The trio were sidelined by injuries.

Abbubaker Mobara and Thembela Sikhakhane formed the centre-back paring in the absence of the club’s regular centre-backs. Mobara and Sikhakhane helped the club to keep a cleansheet.

AMAZULU FC FIND AN OPENING GOAL EARLY IN THE MATCH

AmaZulu FC took an early lead through Junior Dion in the 11th minute after meeting Mlondi Mbanjwa’s cross in the box.

Dion netted his brace and gave AmaZulu a two-goal advantage in the 29th minute. The towering striker made a good run in the box to beat Arrows goalkeeper Olufemi Kayode.

The 29-year old goal-poacher completed his hat-trick on the stroke of halftime. He received a great cross from the flank to score a powerful header.

AmaZulu went into the half-time break with a comfortable 3-0 lead courtesy of three strikes by the former Marumo Gallants striker.

The Ivorian talisman took his goal tally to five goals in six matches played in all competitions for AmaZulu.

Prior to losing against AmaZulu, Arrows were enjoying an eight-match unbeaten run in all competitions. Their last defeat date back to 15 August against Mamelodi Sundowns in the DStv Premiership.

Mabhuti Khanyeza and his charges endured a frustrating night after failing to pose threat on AmaZulu.

As as a result, the Sandile Zungu-owned team joined Stellenbosch FC and Richards Bay FC in the last four of the competition.

Meanwhile, in the last semi-final clash of the night, TS Galaxy beat Sekhukhune United 4-2 on penalties. The match had ended 0-0 after 120 minutes.

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