AmaZulu delivered a stellar performance on Saturday afternoon at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, retaining fourth spot on the table after hammering Chippa United 5-1.
The match started with Chippa pressing forward, putting AmaZulu on the back foot. However, as the game progressed, AmaZulu’s attacks began to pay off, with Maqokola getting in behind the Chippa defence and causing minor cracks in their wall.
AmaZulu’s Comeback
Chippa’s Azola Matrose scored an absolute cracker into the top-right corner to beat Usuthu’s keeper and put them in the lead. However, AmaZulu continued to push forward, and their efforts were rewarded when Maqokola finally got his goal with a superb header into the top-left corner.
Chippa were gutted seconds later after they slipped up at the back, gifting Usuthu a 2-1 lead into the break and handing Siphamandla Zikhali his first goal of the game. In the second half, AmaZulu’s consistent stream of attacks opened up the Chippa defence, with three goals being converted in the last 45 minutes.
Goals Galore
Maqokola almost got his second but struck the woodwork in the 70th minute after a fantastic short run behind the defence. Just minutes later, Maqokola delivered a fantastic second goal. Shortly before the 80th minute, Thapelo Matlhoko sent the hosts 4-1 up after Chippa made yet another defensive mistake.
AmaZulu substitute Thabiso Kutumela finished off the visitors in the 90th minute with the last goal, sealing the three points and victory for Usuthu. According to the Premier Soccer League rules, a team must have a certain number of points to qualify for the top four spots.
Here are the key takeaways from the match:
- AmaZulu’s victory cemented their fourth spot in the Betway Premiership
- Chippa United’s loss pushed them further down the table
- AmaZulu’s consistent stream of attacks paid off in the second half
As the season progresses, teams like Lamontville Golden Arrows are working their way into the top eight, making the competition even fiercer.
