Taariq Fielies was the late hero for AmaZulu FC as his 87-minute goal snatched a vital derby victory over neighbours Durban City FC in the Betway Premiership at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The dramatic finish secured Usuthu their first win in four matches and, most importantly, earned them bragging rights in the city battle.
The highly anticipated showdown saw two Durban sides fighting for more than local supremacy. Durban City entered the match eager to cement their top-three position on the Betway Premiership table, while AmaZulu was desperate to end a three-match winless streak.
The game quickly proved to be an enticing battle. The first major goal-scoring opportunity fell to Usuthu in the 19th minute when Thabiso Kutumela’s diving header forced a brilliant, sprawling save from Durban City’s veteran goalkeeper, Darren Keet.
DARREN KEET KEEPS DURBAN CITY LEVEL
Following Kutumela’s attempt, the rhythm of the game settled, with both teams finding their passing range. Keet, however, was clearly on top of his game, and he once again proved crucial for the visitors in the 25th minute. He denied AmaZulu the opener, pulling off a superb one-on-one save after Pule Ekstien made a perfectly timed run past the defence.
In contrast, Durban City struggled to pose any significant threat to the AmaZulu shot-stopper throughout the first half. After 45 tense minutes, the teams returned to the dressing rooms with the deadlock yet to be broken at 0-0.
The visitors grabbed more control of the game in the second half, sending waves of attack against the Usuthu defence.
Usuthu made the first two changes of the game in the 65th minute. Defender, Minenhle Ngcobo, was replaced by Sandile Mthethwa, while Nkosikhona Radebe made way for midfielder, Asanda Mzobe.
After five minutes, Durban City responded with a change. Letie Koapeng left the pitch for Joslin Kamatuka. The game hit the 80th minute with both teams yet to find the back of the net.
Usuthu threw in their last roll of the dice in the 82nd minute with a double substitution. Andiswa Sithole and Bayanda Thabethe came in for Athini Maqokola and Hendrick Ektsien.
After an uninspiring half of football, an 87th-minute header from Taaariq Fielies sealed the derby win for AmaZulu.
Despite defeat, Durban City have retained their third spot on the log while AmaZulu move two spots up to seventh position.
RELATED STORY: The audacious ambition fuelling Ngwenya’s success at AmaZulu FC