Hendrick Ekstein came from the bench to score a late winner against Royal AM as AmaZulu FC won the KZN Derby 1-0 to seal the Nedbank Cup Last 16 spot.
This was the third meeting between the two sides as they have already met twice in the DStv Premiership. The first clash ended in a 0-0 stalemate while Usuthu came out victorious with a 3-0 score-line in the second match.
AmaZulu would have opened the scoring within the first two minutes if Augustine Kwem had hit the target when he faced Hugo Nyame one on one. But the Cameroonian goalkeeper expertly dealt with it.
Royal AM were the first to find the rhythm, winning the midfield battle as they were building up. Usuthu had some moments in attack but weren’t sharp in front of goal.
LACK OF CHANCES FOR BOTH SIDES TOWARDS HALF HOUR MARK
There was a lack of chances somewhat around the half hour mark.
In the 34th minute, Ramahlwe Mphahlele had a chance to put his side ahead when the ball fell on his toes on the bench. But he ballooned the ball over the bar.
Moments later, Ayabulela Maxwele went straight up the other end and located Mxolisi Macuphu in the box. However, the former Chippa United man skewed it well wide.
In the 38th minute, Ben Motshwari nearly caught Nyame when he unleashed a thunderous shot when he jumped the centre line. The match reached the interval with 0-0 scoreline in the score-board.
Looking to add some spark in his offensive game, John Maduka brought on Motebang Sera and Sabelo Sithole taking off Thabo Matlaba and Macuphu.
Just a few minutes after entering the fray, Sera had a glorious chance to upset the home crowd, when he burst into the box and skied the ball over the bar.
In the 85th minute, AmaZulu scored the winning goal via Hendrick Ekstein who picked up the pieces to slot home when Nyame had saved his first attempt.
The Durban-based side remained solid at the back until the final whistle to secure a place in the next stage.
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