Derby ends in a stalemate
SECOND-placed Royal AM were frustrated by local rivals AmaZulu in a 0-0 league stalemate in the Durban derby at the Chatsworth Stadium in Durban yesterday.
Both teams had opportunities in the first half, though neither goalkeeper was really tested.
When the shot-stoppers were required to make interventions, it was mostly easy saves. AmaZulu surged forward in the third minute but Abubaker Mobara's free-kick ended up getting easily cleared away by the Royal AM defence.
Ndumiso Mabena took a shot after 15 minutes that was blocked by Mobara.
While the ball looked like it was heading wide, Mobara opted to play it safe. Both teams were unable to really create good chances in the first half. Siphesihle Msomi's frustration eventually got the better of him after 40 minutes as he struck an ambitious effort from range that was nowhere near its intended target.
Royal AM were unlucky to not be awarded a penalty early in the second half after Philani Zulu's foul on Mokete Mogaila was missed by the referee and his assistants. Just two minutes later, Mogaila came close to scoring after being played in by the in-form Mxolisi
Macuphu. Royal AM again came close to opening the scoring just before the hour mark. Victor Letsoalo produced some good work after being chipped in by Macuphu.
The Bafana Bafana striker just chipped the ball wide though.
In a rare occurrence, Royal AM were awarded an indirect free-kick about 10m from goal after 70 minutes following an infringement by Mobara. Mfundo Thikazi was tasked with taking the set-piece as AmaZulu put most of their players on the goal line and his effort was subsequently blocked.
The entertainment of the game significantly increased in the second half. Royal AM certainly would have felt that they could have won the game if they were more clinical in the final third. AmaZulu were mainly defending in the second half with Royal AM goalkeeper Patrick Nyame having only made one save in the second half.
Royal AM's next game is a challenging Nedbank Cup semi-final clash against Mamelodi Sundowns at the Chatsworth Stadium on Saturday night. AmaZulu coach Brandon Truter will next face his former side Swallows FC as Usuthu travel to the Dobsonville Stadium to play against the Dube Birds in two weeks time. Meanwhile yesterday, Jomo Cosmos got relegated from the GladAfrica league.