Absa Premiership
Teams: AmaZulu 2-1 Free State Stars
Date: 5 April 2014
Venue: Moses Mabhida
Goals from Ayanda Dlamini and Ruzaigh Gamildien secured a 2-1 win for AmaZulu over Free State Stars in a Absa Premiership clash at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The win moves Usuthu up to fourth on the Absa Premiership log table, while Ea Lla Koto remain in 14 spot.
Free State's Richard Henyekane was presented with the first opportunity of the game in the 14th minute as his powerful strike from inside the area was palmed away by Philani Zikalala.
Nkosinathi Madondo tried his luck range in the 22nd minute but the AmaZulu midfielder volleyed his effort well over the crossbar.
The hosts took the lead in 29th minute through Ayanda Dlamini's powerful header, after the striker was picked out by Sfiso Hlanti.
Henyekane tried his luck with a free kick from distance but the Stars' striker fired his effort well over the bar.
Bongani Ndulula came close to increasing the home side's lead just before the halftime break but the striker fired an effort into the side-netting from close range.
A minute after the restart and substitute Ruzaigh Gamildien doubled the hosts lead, the midfielder slotted past Tshepo Motsoeneng after being played in by Bonginkosi Macala.
After a quiet spell in the game Ndulula tried his luck from the edge of the area in the 69th minute, but the striker fired his effort straight at Motsoeneng.
Henyekane squandered a great chance in the 78th minute as the man on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns headed wide from close range.
Two minutes later and Henyekane pulled one back for stars in the 80th minute with calm finish from inside the area.
The visitors failed to create any openings in the final stages as AmaZulu held on for the win.
