AmaZulu booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup after beating 2023 finalists Sekhukhune United 2-0 on Thursday evening.
Nedbank Cup
Result: Sekhukhune United 0-2 AmaZulu
Date: 14 March 2024
Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium
Sekhukhune made two changes following their thumping win over Moroka Swallows, as Elias Mokwana and Katlego Mkhabela were recalled.
AmaZulu, on the other hand, also made two alterations after their draw against SuperSport United, as Hendrick Ekstein and Junior Dion were brought back.
The early exchanges were cagey from both sides and Sekhukhune had the first big chance midway into the first stanza after Chibuike Ohizu had a free header in the six-yard box that he powered straight at goalkeeper Veli Mothwa.
However, the visitors went ahead moments later after Dion did not hesitate with a close-range shot from a rebound after his initial effort was saved by shot-stopper Renaldo Leaner.
There was not much separating the sides towards the end of the first stanza apart from the goal by AmaZulu, who were happy to head to the break with the lead.
Pablo Franco Martin's charges were quick off the blocks from the break as just before the hour-mark Ekstein had a shot blocked in front of a gaping net after a cut-back from Victor Letsoalo.
Letsoalo eventually doubled the lead for Usuthu a minute later after he dispossessed Leaner, who was trying to play from the back and scored into an open net.
Babina Noko reacted with a double change for fresh legs in midfield, as Jamie Webber and Thamsanqa Masiya both replaced Mokwana and Linda Mntambo.
The hosts gained momentum but only came close to getting a goal back five minutes before time after Mothwa almost spilled Webber's shot into the back of the net, with a nervy save that narrowly missed the bottom corner.
Lehlohonolo Seema's men had momentum in the dying minutes and Michael Sarpong almost pulled a goal back in stoppage time with a half-volley that was tipped into the post by Mothwa.
Usuthu were comfortable in the tail end as they booked their spot in the quarter-finals.
Here's how they lined up:
Sekhukhune United: Leaner, Mkhabela, Tiwani, Tshibwabwa, Cardoso, Mntambo, Mokotjo, Mkhiz, Ohizu, Mokwana, Mncube
Subs: Mtsweni, Rikhotso, Mohamme, Ntiya-Ntiya, Mahlangu, Webber, Masiya, Sarpong, Mokhele
AmaZulu: Mothwa, Sikhakhane, Hanamub, Fielies, Gumede, Mphahlele, Ngema, Brooks, Dion, Mulenga, Ekstein
Subs: Mbanjwa, Ngobeni, Jooste, Zulu, Human, Moremi, Mbanjwa, Letsoalo, Kwem
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