AmaZulu and Congolese giants TP Mazembe could not be separated after playing to a goalless draw in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie
CAF Champions League
Result: AmaZulu 0-0 TP Mazembe
Date: 15 October 2021
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium
Augustine Mulenga came back into the line-up and joined Siyethembe Sithebe and Siphesihle Maduna in the attack behind lone forward Bongninkosi Ntuli.
Mazembe's will be looking to make up for their last two visits to South African shores after suffering defeats to Mamelodi Sundowns in 2015 and earlier this year.
Maduna looked to make an immediate in the early stages of the first half, after unleashing a strike from distance that just wide of Ibrahim Mounkoro's goal.
It was evenly contested affair as the half went on, but clear-cut chances were hard to come by as Usuthu goalkeeper Veli Mothwa was barley tested as the first half ended goalless.
With Usuthu struggling to break down Mazembe in the second stanza, coach Benni McCarthy opted for a double change just after the hour mark as Thabo Qalinge and Luvuyo Memela replaced Ntuli and Maduna.
However, Mazembe nearly found the breakthrough in the 72nd minute after Christian Kouame played Sozé Zemanga through on goal, but Mothwa came off his line to thwart the attacker.
McCarthy introduced striker Lehlohonolo Majoro and Siphelele Mthembu with his final throw of the dice as both sides upped the tempo looking for a late winner.
However, Usuthu were unable to create another chance for the strikers in the closing stages of the second half as the first leg ended all square.
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