Usuthu snatch a late victory

AMAZULU showed character as they came back from an own goal down to beat Free State Stars in an entertaining Absa Premiership encounter at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi yesterday.

Mhlengi Cele came off the bench to inspire Usuthu to a priceless three points at home.

He netted the winner with three minutes left on the clock.

Cele replaced Emiliano Tade after 81 minutes.

Usuthu played with a lot of purpose in the second half following their poor display during the first half.

Lack of communication between Mbongeni Gumede and goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs gave Stars the lead four minutes into the match.

The former Bafana Bafana goal-minder was way off his line and Gumede tried to give him the ball without knowing his position.

The 38-year-old made an effort to save the ball from going into the back of the net but his attempt was unsuccessful.

Josephs redeemed himself with a brilliant diving save to deny Cesair Gandze midway in the first half.

Eleazar Rodgers was causing all sorts of problems for Usuthu at the back with his intelligent runs behind the defence.

Stars were penetrating Usuthu with ease while AmaZulu were restricted to long range shots.

They came back more invigorated in the second half. The Argentinian international, Emiliano Tade, opened his account with a screamer of a goal to put his side back on level terms a few minutes into the second half.

Kwizera Olivier was left clutching air as the ball kissed the net.

Usuthu were in control and asking question after question.

From there on, Tade grew in confidence. He nearly produced another moment of magic but the ball went over the bar.

Nhlanhla Vilakazi and Butholezwe Ncube were orchestrating everything for Usuthu in the middle of the park.

Gumede was having a day to forget at the back for Usuthu. His passes were terrible and his decision making was poor.

Josephs made another important save, denying Yosuf Jappie to keep the game all square.

Mabhudi Khenyeza was presented with an opportunity to snatch the winner for Usuthu but his shot wasn’t powerful enough. He looped the ball over Olivier but Tshepo Tema did well to clear on the line. Finally, the winner came for Usuthu with three minutes left.