AmaZulu FC continued their impressive ascent up the Betway Premiership table yesterday, securing a gritty 1-0 victory over Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
A late goal from substitute Thapelo Matlhoko was the difference, propelling Usuthu into the third place and solidifying their credentials in the race for CAF continental football.
A tactical tussle in Limpopo
The encounter was a classic “game of chess,” with both sides struggling to find a breakthrough in the heat of Polokwane. While AmaZulu enjoyed patches of possession, the home side, Rise and Shine, looked dangerous on the break.
- Woodwork Woes: Polokwane City's Juan Mutudza came closest in the first half, rattling the crossbar with a thunderous free-kick that left the AmaZulu defence rooted to the spot.
- Mzimela's Heroics: AmaZulu goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela was called into action several times, notably parrying a point-blank header from Simon Ramabu to keep the scores level.
The turning point
As the match drifted toward what seemed like an inevitable goalless draw, AmaZulu's technical bench made the decisive call to introduce Thapelo Matlhoko.
In the 87th minute, the persistence of the visitors finally paid off. Riaan Hanamub delivered a pinpoint cross into the danger zone, and Matlhoko – showing clinical instinct in just his fourth appearance for the club – poked the ball into the bottom corner to silence the home crowd.
Impact on the log
This away win is a massive statement of intent from AmaZulu. The three points move them to 37 points from 22 matches, leapfrogging several rivals to sit behind second-placed Orlando Pirates.
What's next?
With momentum firmly on their side, AmaZulu looks to consolidate their top-three position in their upcoming fixtures. Meanwhile, Polokwane City remains in seventh, left to rue missed opportunities as they look to snap a recent slump.