Gabadinho Mhango’s sole goal in the first leg was enough to see AmaZulu reach their first ever MTN8 final after drawing with Kaizer Chiefs in the second leg at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.
That was what Usuthu needed, after they scored in the first leg that finished 1-1 earlier this month at FNB Stadium.
It required Chiefs to come out and put AmaZulu under pressure, but they did not as Makhehleni Makhaula, Abbubaker Mobara, Rian Hanamub, Ramahlwe Mphahlele were outstanding for the home side.
This was the second time in the PSL era that Usuthu, the oldest club in the PSL, was playing in the MTN8 semis after doing so in 2009.
Chiefs, on the other hand, are the most successful club in this competition, having won it 15 times. But they last won this cup was in 2014/15 season when they beat Orlando Pirates at the 2010 World Cup venue in Durban. As the most successful club in this competition, they failed to show that here.
The surprise news of the day was the return of Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana for Chiefs, after he sustained an injury in the 2-1 loss to Chippa United at the same venue last weekend. He was reportedly going to be out for sometime. However, he lasted until 61st minute, as walked off looking very gingerly uncomfortable.
He missed the 2-2 draw against TS Galaxy at FNB Stadium on Wednesday.
For Usuthu, coach Romain Folz sacrificed Keagan Buchanan and introduced Rally Bwalwa instead in his starting line-up, a crucial match for Zambian, who has been hampered by injuries. But he was clean and tidy alongside Makhaula.
Usuthu started stronger and should have been ahead in the 16th minute, but Siphesihle Maduna fluffed his chance with only Brandon Petersen to beat. The former Bidvest Wits goalie was relieved to see this chance go begging after his clearance was intercepted by Gabadinho Mhango.
George Maluleka, who was part of Chiefs that won the MTN8 in 2014 at the same venue, then combined well with Mhango, but the latter shot saw Petersen making an easy save.
Maluleka again bombed up and released Augustine Kwem, but the Nigerian striker tried to clip the ball over but it was too much.
Chiefs desperately tried to get back into the game, but Usuthu defence stood firm to see Amakhosi nullified.
This is a big achievement for Folz, who said this week his side will beat Chiefs and reach the final. While they didn’t beat Chiefs in the second leg, the Frenchman will still be chuffed to see the club reach their first ever MTN8 final.
Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane was looking to emulate Benni McCarthy to win this competition as a player and as coach, having done so as a player in 2008. However, he will have to wait for another season
Usuthu will now meet Orlando Pirates in the final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on 5 November.
