Matchday 18 - Report
Thanda Royal Zulu FC 0 - Amazulu 3
DURBAN, February 04 (Absa Premier League) – Thanda Royal Zulu are still searching for a win in 2009 after another tough afternoon saw them slip to a 3-0 Absa Premier League loss to Amazulu in the Durban derby on Wednesday.
Thabo Mabaso gave the Usuthu a half-time lead and further goals from Dumisani Ngwenya and substitute Bradley Ritson meant that Roger Palmgren’s team have now conceded nine goals in their last two games following the 6-1 thumping by Bloemfontein Celtic during their previous outing.
Amabhubesi were again poor from the outset and their lack of cutting edge in front of goal proved decisive.
In what was a slow start, both sides jostled for procession early on with Felix Obada and Petros Zwane exchanging wayward long-range finishes.
The two goalkeepers had to wait until midway through the first half to really come into play, with Ngwenya’s 20-yard free-kick comfortably held by Mandlenkosi Tsengwa, before Sthembiso Dlamini drilled his shot from the edge of the box inches over the cross-bar.
Those two attacks looked to have unsettled the hosts, who then fell behind in the 29th minute as the pressure began to build.
An incisive attack led by Dlamini and Ngwenya led to the latter’s six-yard shot only parried by Tsengwa straight into the path of Mabaso for an easy tap-in.
More pressure followed as Clive Barker’s men threatened to further extend the lead with Zwane and Dlamini firing wide, before Clement Mazibuko wasted Thanda’s best chance of the opening half by guiding Bongani Mbhele’s corner wide from just six-yards out.
Both players then watched their shots from outside the box sail wide, with Ngwenya spurning a gilt-edged chance of doubling the advantage from inside six yards after a fine run and cross by Mabaso.
Peter Ndlovu returned the favour from Mbhele’s corner to the far post as the hosts went in behind at the break.
After the restart, Myron Shongwe should have done better with his angled header that was easily held by Tsengwa, before Mashudu Mamphitha was tested for the first time with Mazibuko’s 20-yard attempt punched away from danger.
July Mahlangu was the next player responsible for an easy miss, heading over Mbhele’s cross with the goal at his mercy.
That proved costly as Dlamini and Ngwenya combined well in the 77th minute with the former’s clever run and cross from the left met with an arrowed finish from the latter, who found himself with plenty of space in the centre of the penalty area.
Mamphitha helped his side maintain the two-goal advantage shortly after when he saved smartly with his legs to keep out Nkosinathi Nhleko, before the win was wrapped up with two minutes remaining.
Dlamini again the provider from the left – this time for Ritson on the penalty spot to crash the ball home and lift Amazulu up to 10th in the table.