Elmo Kambindu of AmaZulu FC challenges Rdgar Manaka of Marumo Gallants FC during the 2025 Nedbank Cup Quarter Final at Dr Molemela Stadium in Mangaung. Picture: Sydney Mahlangu, BackpagePix
Smiso Msomi
MARUMO Gallants booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup as they edged AmaZulu 1-0 at the Dr Molemela Stadium on Saturday.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa scored early in the first half and held on to protect their advantage and boot Usuthu out of the Ke Yona competition.
Zimbabwean-born Junior Zindonga slotted a solo goal in the 17th minute. The 26-year-old showed great pace and tenacity as he torched a defender on the byline before heading straight for Richards Ofori’s goal.
Zindonga had the necessary composure to slot past the goalkeeper in the near post for his first goal in South African football.
With an eye on continuity and momentum, AmaZulu’s technical team opted to field the same starting 11 that did the job against Gallants in league competition with January signing Elmo Kambindu leading the line supported by the in-form Rowan Human.
Having seen his team poorly defeated in Durban a week ago, Dan Malesela made some tweaks with three changes which saw Gabadinho Mhango and two others dropping to the bench for the likes of Kamohelo Mahlatsi and Edson Khumalo to come in.
AmaZulu attacker Tshepang Moremi caused problems for Gallants a week ago and continued in that vein in this encounter as he almost single-handedly scored the first goal of the match inside five minutes.
The speedy operator received the ball quite a way out, drove past defenders and faced the goalkeeper head on but his connection on the ball was poor as he dragged his shot wide just shaving the upright.
The early Gallants goal seemed to stun AmaZulu who struggled to settle and create another memorable chance in the opening stanza while the hosts looked dangerous on the counter-attack.
At the half-time break, Malesela would've been the more pleased of the two coaches having taken the lead with Arthur Zwane and Vusumuzi Vilakazi searching for solutions.
The visitors responded with much more impetus in the second stanza and were unfortunate to not net the equaliser in the 59th minute despite Kambindu’s header crossing the line.
Man in the middle Victor Hlungwane and his assistant completely missed the moment and helped Gallants keep their lead.
The high risk nature of the encounter increased as the time winded down leaving AmaZulu, who were chasing an equaliser, vulnerable at the back.
In the 69th minute, Ofori came to party to keep his side in the game as goalscorer Zindonga came knocking again but his shot from a tight angle stung the palms of Ofori.
More opportunities of a similar nature would come up for both teams but more for Gallants who had hectares of space to run onto every time AmaZulu attacked.
In the end Gallants held onto their result and advanced to the next round.
AmaZulu will return to action to face Sekhukhune United in the league next Wednesday while Gallants welcome the daunting challenge of defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
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