AmaTuks top eight hopes crushed

University of Pretoria's chances of finishing in the top eight this season look to be over after they were held to a goalless draw by AmaZulu in an Absa Premiership encounter at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday. 

Chances were few and far between in a dull encounter on the coastal city. 

The draw see's Usuthu move up to seventh as they kept their chances alive of finishing in the top half for the first time in five years while the stalemate see's Tuks remain in 12th, six points off Platinum Stars in eighth. 

Marc van Heerden and Khulegani Madondo returned to the starting XI for the hosts after serving suspension. 

Siyabonga Ngubane returned for AmaTuks while Lucky Mathosi was handed a rare start after Geofrey Massa had to pull out due to injury.

The best chance of the match fell to Bongani Ndulula in the fifth minute. 

Marc van Heerden's free-kick fell at the feet of the sturdy striker but he was unable to convert from inches out.

The hosts controlled the opening exchanges, but AmaTuks looked more threatening as the half grew to an end. 

AmaTuks best chance of the first half fell to Lucky Mathosi on the stroke of half-time. 

Thabo Mosadi's curling cross picked out the lanky forward, but he hopelessly scuffed his effort with the goal at his mercy. 

AmaZulu, who were looking to consolidate their place in the top eight for only the second time in the past 20 years, would've been disappointed with their efforts in the opening stanza as the teams headed for the changing rooms at the break.

Chances were few and far between in the second stanza with most of the action taking place in the middle of the park. 

Ruzaigh Gamildien's introduction in the 69th minute almost reaped immediate rewards with first Ndulula and then Goodman Dlamini going close. 

First Ndulula failed with his attempt from close range after being picked out by Gamildien, before Dlamini blazed his effort over Arubi crossbar after being set-up by the former Bloemfontein Celtic midfielder. 

Tuks remain in danger of the drop after Polokwane City managed to beat Mpumalanga Black Aces in the simultaneous kick-off while Usuthu leapfrogged Dikwena into seventh.

AmaZulu (0) 0

University of Pretoria (0) 0

AmaZulu: Zikalala; Macala, Nyadombo, Teyise, van Heerden, A. Dlamini, Madondo (Gamildien 69'), Arwuah, Manqana (Mthiyane 70'), G. Dlamini, Ndulula (Nguzana 76')

University of Pretoria: Arubi; Kekana, Shoyisa, Mkhwanazi, Sibande, Ketjijere, Matsi, Mosadi, Ngubane (Monama 78' (Zwane 88')), Nyondo, Mathosi (Mnyamane 46')

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