Usuthu down Ajax to go second

AmaZulu moved up to second place on the Absa Premiership table when they defeated Ajax Cape Town 1-0 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesdaynight.

Goodman Dlamini scored the only goal of the match late in the second half to secure a second straight win for Craig Rosslee’s side.

Ayanda Dlamini had an opportunity to test the goalkeeper in the 10th minute when he was put through on the right side of the box, but he opted to play the ball and failed to find any of his teammates.

Usuthu had to good chances a minute later but Goodman Dlamini was denied by a solid save from Anssi Jaakkola, while Carlington Nyadombo headed over the target from the resulting corner.

The middle part of the first half failed to produce clear chances but it was the away side who threatened in the 36th minute when Keegan Dolly was slipped through on the right, but his shot lacked the power to trouble Philani Zikalala.

The Usuthu goalkeeper was kept busy again just before the break, keeping out a low snapshot from Nathan Paulse in the 41st minute, before stopping another effort from Dolly four minutes later.

Usuthu kept possession well at the start of the second half and fired the first shot in anger in the 56th minute as Bongi Macala tested Jaakkola from the edge of the box after receiving a pass from Goodman.

Both sides then struck the woodwork with Morris’ header shaving the foot of the post in the 66th minute, while Sifiso Hlanti saw his freekick coming off the crossbar four minutes later.

Ajax threatened on two occasions with Dolly delivering dangerous cross from the left, but Morris sidefooted over the target in the 74th minute, while Nathan Paulse also failed to keep his header down in the 85th minute.

Usuthu took the lead in the 86th minute as Goodman Dlamini sidefooted home from the centre of the penalty area following a good run and low cross from substitute Tshepo Liphoko.

Ajax pushed for the equaliser in added time but Zikalala made sure that all three points remained at home as he made two brilliant saves to deny both Lark and Morris from close range.

AmaZulu (o) 1 (Dlamini G 86’)

Ajax Cape Town 0

Teams

AmaZulu: Zikalala, Macala, Hlanti, Teyise, Nyadombo, Shabalala (Mwedihanga 90’), Arwuah, Dlamini G, Manqana (Mthiyane 82’), Dlamini A, Ndulula (Liphoko 62’)

Ajax Cape Town: Jaakkola, Allie (Lolo 77’), Isaacs, Hlatshwayo, Jenniker, Mobara, Lark, Losper, Morris, Paulse (Rodgers 68’), Dolly

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