Absa Premiership
Result: AmaZulu 1-0 Baroka
Date: 04 August 2018
Venue: King Zwelithini Stadium
AmaZulu began their Absa Premiership campaign with a slender 1-0 win over Baroka FC at the King Zwelithini Stadium.
Usuthu handed debuts to Moeneeb Josephs and Emiliano Tade, while Marc Van Heerden had to settle for a spot on the bench.
Baroka had their first sight at goal after eight minutes through Thabo Moseki, who curled a free-kick just over the crossbar.
It was the home side who broke the deadlock with 18 minutes gone, with Siyethemba Sithebe smashing home from close range following a flick-on by Tade.
Baroka, meanwhile, did not sit back as they tried to find a way back into the encounter, but they were restricted to efforts from distance, none of which troubling for Josephs.
The visitors opted for a change five minutes into the second half as Shabani Hussein made way for Mpho Kgaswane.
Talent Chawaphiwa looked to carve out an opening for the visitors after the hour-mark, but his inviting cross was cleared away.
Usuthu opted for their first substitution on 64 minutes as Cavin Johnson introduced forward Augustine Ramphela for Simphiwe Lumkwana.
Josephs came to AmaZulu's rescue with 15 minutes remaining as the veteran shot-stopper produced a good save to keep out Richard Matloga's powerful effort
Veteran striker Mabhuti Khenyeza was introduced for the hosts for the final 10 minutes, taking the place of Tade.
In the end, Johnson's men were able to see out the closing stages and deny Baroka an equaliser to begin their season with three points.
Here's how they lined up:
AmaZulu: Josephs, Sikhakhane, Mabiliso, Ouro-Akoriko, M. Gumede, Ncube, Vilakazi, Lumkwana (Ramphela 64'), Sithebe, Cele, Tade (Khenyeza 79'). Subs: Murambadoro, Van Heerden, Slawula, Morton, Ramphela, Hlalela, Khenyeza. Baroka: Dlamini, Kgoetyane, Matome, Gebhardt, Mapheto, Madubanya, Makume, Chawaphiwa, Mdantsane, Chivaviro, Moseki, Hussein (Kgaswane 50').
