Aces outsmart AmaZulu

Goals from Themba Zwane and Mabhuti Khenyeza powered Mpumalanga Black Aces to a 2-0 win over AmaZulu in an Absa Premiership match at the Mbombela Stadium on Wednesdaynight.

After a quiet start from both teams, the first shot in anger arrived from AmaZulu’s Nkosinathi Mthiyane in the 21^st minute, but the AmaZulu attacker put his effort over the crossbar and failed to trouble Jackson Mabokgwane in Aces’ goal.

The hosts created their first attempt from a corner kick in the 28^th minute. Mbulelo Mabizela’s cross resulted in Clifford Ngobeni having a sight of goal, but the AmaZayoni midfielder put his shot over the target.

Six minutes later Aces worked another opportunity in attack and Mabhuti Khenyeza was able to get a shot away, but the ball drifted wide of the left-hand post and posed no challenge for goalkeeper Philani Zikalala.

As the half neared its end the hosts were dominating play and managed to break the deadlock in the 44^th minute through Themba Zwane. The midfielder beat Zikalala with a right-footed finish after latching onto an assist from Khenyeza, leaving Aces 1-0 up at the break.

AmaZulu looked for a quick reply soon after the restart in the second half, but former Ajax Cape Town midfielder Nhlanhla Shabalala directed his shot wide of the target in the 49^th minute.

However, Aces were soon back on the front foot and threatened a second goal through Thabo Qalinge, who shot over the bar on the hour mark, while substitute Clifford Mulenga also missed the target a couple of minutes later.

On 65 minutes the hosts doubled their advantage. The lively Mulenga provided a cross for Khenyeza, who was able to direct a header beyond the reach of Zikalala to make it 2-0 and put AmaZayoni in complete control of the match.

Black Aces (1) 2 (Zwane 44’, Khenyeza 65’)

AmaZulu 0

Aces: Mabokgwane, Mabaso, Mabizela, Nato, Ngalo, Ngobeni, Zwane (Nale 82’), Zuke, Qalinge, Ndoro (Mulenga 61’), Khenyeza

AmaZulu: Zikalala, Macala, Teyise, Nyadombo, van Heerden, Madondo, Shabalala (Arwuah 84’), G. Dlamini (Ndulula 72’), Mthiyane (Manqana 69’), A. Dlamini, Liphoko

Backpage Media