AmaZulu FC Edge Durban City FC in KZN Derby to Strengthen Title Credentials
AmaZulu FC claimed KwaZulu-Natal derby bragging rights with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Durban City FC at Chatsworth Stadium on Tuesday evening. The result marked a disappointing start for newly appointed Durban City coach Eric Tinkler while further enhancing Usuthu’s growing reputation as genuine Betway Premiership title contenders.
The visitors made a bright start and needed just seven minutes to break the deadlock. Mlondi Mbanjwa showed excellent composure inside the penalty area, controlling a precise cross from Radebe before calmly finishing past the Durban City goalkeeper to give AmaZulu an early lead.
Stung by the early setback, Durban City attempted to respond and enjoyed several attacking moments as they searched for an equaliser. The home side pushed numbers forward and created opportunities, but AmaZulu’s defence remained well organised and difficult to break down.
As the first half progressed, AmaZulu continued to look dangerous whenever they attacked. Their movement and pace on the flanks repeatedly troubled the home side, forcing Durban City onto the back foot for lengthy periods.
The pressure eventually paid off in first-half stoppage time when AmaZulu doubled their advantage. A blistering run down the right wing opened up the City defence before a perfectly weighted pass found Athini Maqokolo, who made no mistake from close range to give Usuthu a commanding 2-0 lead.
AmaZulu’s dominance in the opening 45 minutes was reflected on the scoreboard as they entered the halftime interval firmly in control. Goals from Mbanjwa and Maqokolo separated the teams, leaving Durban City with a mountain to climb in the second half.
The hosts emerged from the break determined to mount a comeback and made changes to inject fresh energy into their attacking play. Tylo Sanger was introduced, while further substitutions followed later in the half as Tinkler searched for a spark.
Those changes eventually yielded a reward in the 72nd minute when Haashim Domingo pulled a goal back for Durban City. The strike reignited hopes among the home supporters and set up a tense finale in Chatsworth as the Citizens pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
AmaZulu responded by introducing Hendrick Ekstein for goalscorer Mbanjwa and nearly restored their two-goal cushion shortly afterwards. Ekstein found himself with a promising opportunity, but his effort drifted wide of the target, keeping the contest alive.
Despite late pressure from Durban City, AmaZulu held firm to secure a valuable 2-1 victory. The result keeps Usuthu firmly in the upper reaches of the table and strengthens their title ambitions. More importantly, AmaZulu have now opened a five-point gap over fourth-placed Kaizer Chiefs following Amakhosi’s 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch FC, while Durban City were left disappointed as Eric Tinkler’s first match in charge ended in defeat.