AmaZulu progressed to the last of 16 of the Nedbank Cup after edging third-tier side Tornardo in a five-goal thriller on Sunday afternoon.
Nedbank Cup
Result: AmaZulu 3-2 Tornado FC
Date: 12 February 2023
Venue: King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium
AmaZulu made wholesale changes from their 1-1 draw against Maritzburg United, as new signing Jody February got his debut in a strong line-up that included the return of George Maluleka, Keagan Buchanan, Bonginkosi Ntuli and Gabadinho Mhango.
Usuthu settled the quickest as they went ahead on eight minutes courtesy of a close-range header by Mbongeni Gumede from flick on by Sandile Khumalo.
Romain Folz's charges stamped their authority on the ball and Mhango doubled the lead on 25 minutes with a left-footed volley at the back post from Guily Manziba's cross.
Tornado had some decent chances as they were given space in and around the box and Jasson Rivaldo came close to pulling a goal back towards the interval with a low pile-driver that was uncomfortably parried away by February.
AmaZulu drew the third-tier side out of their half and looked to pick them off on counter-attacks coming from the break as Mxolisi Kunene missed a good chance after he went through on goal.
However, Kunene became the provider of the third goal for Usuthu just after the hour-mark after Ntuli guided his cross at the near post into the far post.
AmaZulu dropped their guard after that and were punished with 12 minutes to go after Mario Katz reduced the deficit for Tornado with a free header at the back post from a cross by Christoffer Balie.
The Northern Cape outfit gained courage, as Kenneth Dupane quickly pulled a second goal back from the restart after he bundled home a cross by Will Squaer.
Folz's men had a response in the dying minutes as second-half substitute Hendrick Ekstein came close to burying the game but was denied by a massive save from goalkeeper Cristoffel Titus.
There would be no late comeback from the third division side, as Usuthu held on for the win and advanced to the round of 16.
Here's how they lined up:
AmaZulu: February, Gumede, Mabiliso, Zulu, Kumalo, Buchanan, Maluleka, Brooks, Ntuli, Manziba, Mhango
Subs: Mothwa, Hanamub, Kunene, Bwalya, Qalinge, Ndlovu, Ekstein, Kwem, Dion
Tornado FC: Van Wyk, Balie, Barends, Rivaldo, Mjonono, Witbooi, Titus, Buthelezi, Cloete, Katz, Plessie
Subs: Mokopi, Pofadder, Slinger, Squaer, Voor, Sihoyo, Jacobs, Dupane.
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