Nedbank Cup Report: Black Leopards v AmaZulu 27 February 2021

Result: Black Leopards 1-0 AmaZulu

Date: 27 February 2021

Venue: Thohoyandou Stadium

Black Leopards booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup after edging AmaZulu 1-0 on Saturday afternoon.

Usuthu head coach Benni McCarthy shuffled the pack, giving former Kaizer Chiefs winger Siphiwe Tshabalala his first start, alongside the return of the likes of Tsepo Masilela and Lehlohonolo Majoro.

With Usuthu seeing more of the ball in the first half, Masilela came close to breaking the deadlock for McCarthy's charges in the 32nd minute with a header that crashed the top side of the bar from Tshabalala's cross.

Lidoda Duvha were growing in the game in the closing stages of the first stanza, with Tumelo Khutlang testing shot-stopper Neil Boshoff for the first time seven minutes before the break with a curling strike but his shot lacked power.

The Limpopo side settled the quickest coming from the break, as Mohammed Anas broke the deadlock seven minutes after the break with a close-range header after a headed pass by Lifa Hlongwane from a corner,.

Rodney Ramagalela came close to doubling the lead for Lidoda Duvha in the last 19 minutes with a thumping effort high at the near post that was brilliantly parried over the bar by Boshoff.

Usuthu were desperate to create chances in the closing stages but the Leopards remained resolute at the back to secure their name in the bowl for Sunday's quarter-final draw.

Check out 7 of the PSL's most expensive players who moved the last window!

Thulani Hlatshwayo - valued at €1 million (±R19.4 million) completed a move from Bidvest Wits to Orlando Pirates.

Aubrey Modiba - valued at €950 000 (±R18.4 million) completed a move from SuperSport United to Mamelodi Sundowns.

Mothobi Mvala - valued at €675 000 (±R13.1 million) completed a move from Highlands Park to Mamelodi Sundowns

Gift Motupa - valued at €750 000 (±R14.5 million) completed a move from Bidvest Wits to Mamelodi Sundowns

Deon Hotto - valued at €950 000 (±R18.4 million) completed a move from Bidvest Wits to Orlando Pirates.

George Maluleka - valued at €650 000 (±R12.6 million) completed a move from Kaizer Chiefs to Mamelodi Sundowns

Peter Shalulile - valued at €600 000 (±R11.6 million) completed a move from Highlands Park to Mamelodi Sundowns

Leopards: 22. Ndlovu, 28. Matsimbi, 39. Mashoene, 26. Nthatheni, 2. Gyimah, 5. Abubakar, 6. Mthethwa, 16. Ramagalela, 30. Anas, 17. Hlongwane, 4. Khutlang.

Subs: 32. Muleka, 29. Masia, 33. Khumalo, 25. Mokoena, 14. Kabwe, 18. Makgetlwa, 19. Karuru, 15. Maluleke.

AmaZulu: 43. Boshoff, 24. Sikhakhane, 24. Masilela, 25. Mzava, 39. Mgwazela, 6. Makhaula, 46. Kewuti, 36. Tshabalala, 20. Majoro, 34. Maduna, 19. Chawaphiwa.

Subs: 44. Mothwa, 17. Gumede, 29. Mabiliso, 27. Xoki, 32. Khumalo, 10. Sithebe, 11. Magubane, 38. Mahlambi, 9. Mthembu.

Related tags