AmaZulu too strong for Royal AM

Hendrick Ekstein scored the opening goal of the game in the 37th minute ahead of a 48th minute Mlondi Mbanjwa, and despite a 78th minute goal from Levy Mashiane, the home team were good value for their victory.

The result propellled Usuthu above Royal AM into 11th place on nine points.

For Royal AM, it was a fourth defeat in 10 games to see the club end the evening in 13th place with eight points.

AmaZulu had started the tie well with Riaan Hanamub firing in an early shot that was saved by AM goalkeeper Mondli Mpoto.

Mlondi Mbanjwa came even closer to an opener with a rocket of a shot that crashed back off the crossbar.

Etiosa Ighodaro hit a post after some more good work from the AmaZulu attack

And Ekstein got the goal his side's play deserved with an easy finish into an empty net from a Human pass.

Royal AM looked for a response but were further pegged back when Mlondi Mbanjwa doubled the home side's lead minutes after the restart.

Tshepang Moremi played Ekstein through on goal on 68 minutes as AmaZulu looked to extend their lead but Mpoto made a strong save.

But the away team managed to pull a goal back as Mashiane found the back of the net with 78 minutes on the clock to ensure a tense finish for the home fans.

AmaZulu ultimately secured all three points to head into their upcoming clash with league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in a far healthier position.

Royal AM are next in action at home to TS Galaxy.

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