/ 20 April 2014

AmaZulu and Tuks end goalless

John Arwuah of Amazulu and Ronald Ketjijere of University of Pretoria battle for the ball during the Absa Premiership match between AmaZulu and University of Pretoria.
John Arwuah of Amazulu and Ronald Ketjijere of University of Pretoria battle for the ball during the Absa Premiership match between AmaZulu and University of Pretoria.

Striker Bongani Ndulula squandered most of the home side's chances in an uninspiring affair on the east coast with the result lifting Usuthu above Platinum Stars up to seventh, although top-eight rivals Bloemfontein Celtic have a game in hand.

Tuks, meanwhile, stayed in 12th position.

AmaZulu should have been a goal up inside five minutes when Ndulula squandered a great chance three yards out, when he appeared to get himself in an awkward position on his way to kicking Marc van Heerden's free-kick wide.

The visitors, after a cautious start, slowly began to work their way into the game with half chances for Lucky Mathosi and Mpho Matsi in the opening 20 minutes.

Their best chance, however, came just before the half-hour when Mathosi held up the ball excellently on the edge of the penalty area, before laying on for Thabo Mosadi, who cut inside and shot inches wide of the upright.

At the other end, Van Heerden wastefully curled over an 18-yard free-kick much to the frustration of coach Craig Rosslee, while Grant Kekana headed over a good Mosadi delivery from the right.

Mathosi wasted the best chance of the first stanza a minute before the break when he misjudged the flight of yet another Mosadi cross and only edged the ball off his head.

After the restart, Goodman Dlamini headed over an inviting right-side cross from Bonginkosi Macala following an attacking run on goal by Ndulula.

Tuks had a good chance of their own on the hour when Mosadi showed good close control as he powered through the middle, but when he squared for Atusaye Nyondo, the Malawian blazed over.

Ndulula wasted another half-chance after 72 minutes by failing to control a drilled cross by substitute Ruzaigh Gamildien before Goodman Dlamini shot agonisingly over from outside the penalty area.

Mosadi did the same in the final minute as the sides had to settle for a point each. – Sapa