AmaZulu find winning touch, see off Stellies
AmaZulu FC (1) 1
Bwalya 31 Stellenbosch FC 0
AMAZULU broke their nine-game winless streak as Rally Bwalya struck the only goal of the match when they overcame Stellenbosch at King Zwelithini Stadium yesterday.
Usuthu moved into the top eight on the Premiership standings, just four points off third-placed Kaizer Chiefs.
Zambian international Bwalya continued his impressive return from injury as he broke the deadlock for the home side in the 31st minute, finishing well after a slick team move. The Zambian unleashed a ferocious shot and gave Stellies goalkeeper Sage Stevens no chance in goal.
Usuthu head coach Romain Folz headed into this encounter still in search of his first win on South African shores and the visit of Stellies handed him the perfect opportunity.
AmaZulu have not lost to Stellies since 2016 and their reinforced squad presented them with the chance to end their lengthy sequence without a win.
Folz made numerous changes to the starting XI that dumped Kaizer Chiefs out of the MTN8 a week ago, the most notable being the introduction of Ethan Brooks in place of the injured Gabadinho Mhango.
Visiting Stellenbosch did not appear to be bothered by their underwhelming record against AmaZulu and instead set up in their usual 4-3-3 formation, looking to be on the front foot.
A huge factor in Stellies’ defeats this season has been their leaky defence and it showed again as they conceded after making a bright start.
Coach Steve Barker’s men continued to be dangerous even after going a goal down, registering seven attempts on goal before the half-time interval, three of them troubling AmaZulu goalkeeper Veli Mothwa.
The inconsistent nature of the Premiership season has brought about a tight table. Stellies began this match in 10th place, just three points behind Sekhukhune United, who sit in the relegation zone.
Barker perhaps understood the importance of going into the World Cup break on a high and as far away from the danger area as possible as he introduced South African Under23 international Antonio van Wyk in search of an equaliser.
Folz countered this move by introducing the experience of Keagan Buchanan in midfield and later the defensive expertise of Veluyeke Zulu at the back, effectively sealing their tight victory.
In the day’s other results, Chippa United and Richards Bay could not be separated as they played to an entertaining 3-3 draw, while TS Galaxy couldn’t hold onto a lead against Sekhukhune United, the match ending 1-1.