AmaZulu, Maritzburg share spoils in KZN Derby

AmaZulu and Maritzburg United played out a 1-all draw in the KZN DStv Premiership derby at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Gabadinho Mhango and Friday Samu registered their names on the score sheet. 

The Team of Choice looked bright in the early stages of the showpiece as they wanted to break the deadlock, but they were unable to find a breakthrough against the resilient Usuthu.

However, the hosts improved as the half wore on, and found the back of the net in the 39th minute through the former Orlando Pirates frontman Mhango. 

Despite Usuthu taking a lead, it was a fairly even contested first half.

The showdown went into the interval with Romain Folz’s charges leading by 1-0.

Back out for the last 45 minutes, AmaZulu started on a high keeping their opponents in their own half. 

The Blue Army tried to pull one back, but luck was not on their side.

In the 55th minute, AmaZulu were reduced to 10 men after Tercious Malepe received a straight red card.

John Maduka’s troops needed something to lift the tension and the signs were encouraging as they grew increasingly into the match – searching for an equaliser. 

Maritzburg continued piling pressure on the hosts – taking control of proceedings, but largely failed to break down Usuthu’s back four.

When we thought it wasn’t the Team of Choice’s day as they struggled to take their numerical advantage a bit, Samu finally leveled matters in the 77th minute of the second stanza. 

In the end, however, this was another game to add to the list of meetings that ended in stalemate.

As a result, AmaZulu are placed 10th position on the table with 13 points, while Maritzburg sit 12th place with 11 points. They have each played 11 matches.