Determined performance from AmaZulu leads to narrow win over Cape Town City

Coach Pablo Franco Martin's squad is now gearing up to host Orlando Pirates in a highly anticipated Nedbank Cup quarterfinal clash scheduled for 13 April.

On the flip side, Cape Town City find themselves positioned seventh in the league, just two points behind fourth-placed Sekhukhune United. Coach Eric Tinkler's outfit is eyeing a crucial victory as they prepare to take on Polokwane City in an upcoming away fixture on 21 April.

The encounter witnessed an early offensive surge from the Citizens, with Taahir Goedeman posing a significant threat in the opening minutes. However, Usuthu's seasoned goalkeeper Veli Mothwa showcased his prowess with a stellar save, denying Goedeman's scoring attempt.

Despite the setback of Keanu Cupido's expulsion in the 26th minute, reducing Cape Town City to 10 players, the team displayed resilience and held AmaZulu at bay, ensuring a goalless deadlock at halftime.

The second half witnessed a determined AmaZulu side, unfazed by their numerical disadvantage. Second-half substitute Jaedin Rhodes injected energy into the team's attack, setting up Heaven Sereetsi for a notable chance, only to be thwarted by Mothwa's heroics.

The turning point arrived with the introduction of City's substitute, Junior Sede Dion, who made an immediate impact by finding the back of the net in the 71st minute, securing a crucial 1-0 victory for AmaZulu over Cape Town City.

Royal AM clinch thrilling win against Polokwane City

A captivating DStv Premiership encounter unfolded at the chilly and damp Harry Gwala Stadium, culminating in a spectacular 3-2 triumph for Royal AM over Polokwane City. 

The thrilling showdown saw all the action unfold in the second half, with Thwihli Thwahla showcasing their resilience by bouncing back from a 2-1 deficit to snatch a dramatic victory with an injury-time winner courtesy of unlikely hero Zukile Mkhize.

The result propels Royal AM to the 13th spot on the league standings, a mere two points shy of breaking into the top half of the table. Remarkably, they are now level on points with Polokwane City, who hold the 11th position due to a superior goal difference.

The match commenced with both teams cautiously navigating the slick pitch, with Royal AM initiating the first genuine threat in the 18th minute when Maxwele Ayabulela attempted a long-range strike after spotting Polokwane's Manuel Sapunga off his line. However, Sapunga displayed quick reflexes to deny Ayabulela's effort and make a crucial save.

The first half remained goalless, marked by sporadic attacking bursts from both sides but a lack of sustained pressure in the final third.

The second half witnessed an explosion of action, with Thwihli Thwahla taking the lead on 61 minutes through a sensational solo effort from Sedwyn George. 

Despite Royal AM's early advantage, Polokwane City responded emphatically, equalising through Douglas Mapfumo's clinical finish in the 74th minute before seizing the lead just three minutes later.

As the clock ticked down, Royal AM rallied with renewed determination, summoning Shadrack Kobedi, Kethukuthula Ndlovu, and Motebang Sera from the bench to bolster their attack. Their persistence paid off as Sikhethele Mabuza levelled the score at 2-2 in the 87th minute.

The climax arrived in the dying moments of injury time, as Thwihli Thwahla delivered the decisive blow. Kabelo Mahlasela orchestrated a brilliant setup, allowing Zukile Mkhize to slot home a precise strike from the heart of the penalty area, sparking jubilation among the home supporters.

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