AmaZulu FC produced a strong second-half performance in their 2-0 win over Chippa United in a DStv Premiership encounter at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The win elevated Usuthu to the eighth spot on the league standings and they are now scheduled to face ABC Motsepe League side Mpheni Home Defenders in a Nedbank Cup Last 16 clash on March 11.
Meanwhile, the Chilli Boys remained 13th on the standings and they will be desperate for a win when they square off with ABC Motsepe League outfit Dondol Stars in a Nedbank Cup Last 16 match on March 8.
The Chilli Boys were nearly handed an early goal in the first minute of the encounter following a mistake by Mbongeni Gumede at the back, but Godspower Ighodaro fired wide of the target.
Usuthu grew gradually into the match and Tercious Malepe connected well with George Maluleka’s corner-kick, but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was well-positioned to make a decent save.
The score was 0-0 at halftime following a first-half which saw both teams struggle to keep their shots on target.
Tercious Malepe continued to look lively for Usuthu after the restart and he grabbed an assist when he set-up Junior Sere Dion who broke the deadlock to hand AmaZulu a 1-0 lead on the hour mark.
Coach Romain Folz’s side continued to attack after taking the lead and Mbongeni Gumede grabbed a late goal to make it 2-0 to AmaZulu in the 81st minute with Maluleka providing the assist.
The goal sealed AmaZulu’s 2-0 victory as the KwaZulu-Natal giants snapped their five-match winless run in the local top-flight.