AmaZulu were crowned DStv Diski Challenge Rewired champions with a 2-0 win over Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday afternoon.
A goalkeeping change for Usuthu saw Olwethu Mzimela in the sticks, as Sundowns recalled Ofentse Mashiane and Thando Buthelezi from the semi-final triumph over Cape Town City.
The bright start followed Usuthu with 20 minutes played from a low curling free-kick by Lindani Shange which goalkeeper Glen Baadjies turned around for a corner-kick.
Sundowns too came within a whisker of the lead minutes prior also from a free-kick just outside the six-yard area by Siphesihle Mkhize, but he drilled over.
In the end, it was Usuthu who had the breakthrough two minutes before the half-hour mark with a composed bottom-corner finish from close-range by Shange following a low pass into the box.
Usuthu should've made it two closer to halftime from a rash clearance by Baadjies, but a wayward effort from Lindokuhle Zungu left the Brazilians unpunished.
Zungu wasn't done probing minutes following the start of the second half as a glancing header from a long throw-in came through, but Baadjies smothered.
Sundowns began to put their opposite number to duty a little thereafter from two promising close-range efforts by Buthelezi and Siyanda Nyanga.
A substitution followed as Buthelezi saw his time cut short midway in the second half and Riandre Vries coming on in his place.
However, the KwaZulu-Natal outfit doubled their lead with 20 minutes to go after Sandile Khumalo won a penalty before going on to convert.
With their backs against the wall, Sundowns didn't stop probing a turnaround but in the end witnessed Usuthu clinch the title with a 2-0 win.
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