Royal AM beat AmaZulu 2-0 in a DStv Premiership match at the Chatsworth Stadium to grab the bragging rights in the KZN derby.
Motebang Sera’s first-half header and Mxolisi Macuphu’s second-half tap-in proved to be enough to hand the home side maximum points.
Both teams came to the match having drawn their previous league games. Usuthu were held by Sekhukhune United while Royal AM played out a stalemate with TS Galaxy.
AmaZulu had some surprise inclusions in their lineup, with Hendrick Ekstein and new signing Junior Dion handed the starts.
SERA OPENER PUT THE HOME SIDE IN FRONT
As the two sides got proceedings underway, Royal AM held most of the ball, looking to get an early lead. Their attacks bore fruit as Motebang Sera opened the scoring in the 12th minute through a header after an Elias Pelembe free-kick.
Thereafter, AmaZulu got into a passing rhythm but struggled to reach the final third and couldn’t create noteworthy goal-scoring opportunities.
Moments later, AM were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box, and Ricardo Nascimento stepped up to take it. However, Veli Mothwa was on hand to stop the Brazilian defender’s attempt.
Folz’s men continued to struggle with Thwihli Thwahla not allowing them a space to play.
Later, AmaZulu fought back and tried to make their way into the hosts’ box, only to be denied by AM’s solid defence. In the 36th minute, Makhehleni Makhaula had a golden chance to level matters, but the skipper put the ball wide.
The match went to half-time with Royal AM still in front with one goal to nil.
In the second stanza, AmaZulu took off Rally Bwalya and Gabadinho Mhango for Thabo Qalinge and Lehlohonolo Majoro.
Usuthu started brightly, camping in AM’s box but produced minimal goalmouth action as the home side was resolute. The visitors continued to launch attacks while AM were looking to capitalize on their counter-attacking chances.
In the 69th minute, Sera nearly doubled the lead for Thwihli Thwahla when his thunderous shot hit the woodwork.
Royal AM came back into the game after the introduction of Mzwandile Dlamini, Shaune Mogaila and Mfundo Thikazi, who came on and won the midfield battle. Abram Nteo had taken off Khethukuthula Ndlovu, Pelembe, and Tebogo Potsane.
MACUPHU CAME FROM THE BENCH TO DOUBLE THE LEAD
In the 85th minute, the substitute Mxolisi Macuphu doubled the lead for Royal AM when he easily tapped into an empty net from Mogaila’s cross.
The home side went on to grab the three points to end a five-match winless run in all competitions.
RELATED STORY: Lessons Royal AM have learnt in CAF Confederation Cup
