Amazulu claimed a 1-0 over Horoya AC in the 2021/2022 CAF Champions League Group B tie on Friday night at the Moses Madhiba Stadium.
Usuthu were threatening with aerial balls in the opening exchanges, as Agustine Mulenga had a shot in the 14th minute that came off the post from Luvulo Memela’s cross.
The sides cancelled each other after that and it took up until the 20th minute of the first stanza for clear chances, as AmaZulu goalkeeper Veli Mothwa pulled off a great save to deny Ocansey Mandela , who was clear on goal in a one-on-one.
Boniface Haba also came close to breaking the deadlock in the 27th minute for Lamine N’Diaye’s charges with a cracking strike in the box that rattled the post.
However, Luvuyo Memela broke the deadlock for the host on the 31st minute with a strike inside the box after connecting well with Agustine Mulenga’s delivery, 1-0
Horoya were probing for the equaliser towards half-time but they were constantly being repelled by the Usuthu reinforced defence.
The Guineans came out rejuvenated in the second half as they went in search of an equaliser, but it was Amazulu who had a chance to get another goal in the 57th minute but Makhaula chose the wrong option on the break and the chance went away.
Amazulu opted for a change on the hour mark as Xolani Mlambo made way for Mattar Ceesay as the visitors went in search of an equaliser.
The woodwork then came to Usuthu’s rescue in the 68th minute as Nabby Souma rattled the upright following a corner from Pape Ndiaye.
In an attempt to maintain the lead, Benni McCarthy threw on defender Thembela Sikhakhane for Zulu with 15 minutes remaining in the half.
Horoya threw everything forward in search of an equaliser but they were unable to take advantage of their chances as Amazulu held on for the win.
