Amazulu was held to a goalless draw by TS Galaxy in a DStv Premiership encounter and missed out on a top-four spot at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Usuthu comes back from an impressive 1 nil victory against Horoya AC in the CAF Champions League group stage match last week and was looking to build momentum from their previous result.
Ahead of the game, both sides made changes, which saw Ethan Brooks and MacBeth Mahlangu replacing the suspended Ebrahim Seedat and injured Lifa Hlongwana. Meanwhile, the home side saw Mbongeni Gumede, Makhehlene Makhaula, and Sandile Khumalo being replaced by Abubaker Mobara, Samkelo Mgwazela, and Thembela Sikhakhane.
The home side got an opportunity to go ahead early in the game, when Augustine Mulenga got himself in a good position to put away a free header, but failed to head past goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi, who made a brilliant save to keep the score all square.
Benni McCarthy’s charges kept on applying pressure to the visitors, which led to another chance in the 30th minute when Xola Mlambo went clear on goal but could not hit the target when his effort went wide of the post.
Shortly after the missed opportunity, Galaxy could have gotten themselves in front when midfielder Orebotsile Mongae found himself one on one with Veli Mothwa, but couldn’t keep his composure and put his attempt wide.
Usuthu did look to respond right before halftime, when January signing, Abraham Majok missed a header at close range, which saw the team concluding the first 45min all tied.
Going into the second half, Sead Ramovic introduced Shane Roberts for Mlungisi Mbunjana, to what seemed to be an attacking substitution.
Amazulu kept on pushing and also made changes in the attack, which saw the withdrawal of Mulenga and Keagan Buchanan for Thabo Qalinge and Hendrick Ekstein.
Both teams could not find the breakthrough and had to settle for a draw, which saw The Rockets move up to 12th position and Usuthu missing out on a top-four spot, resulting in them continuing to occupy the 7th position on the log standings.
Amazulu will take on Stellenbotch FC in their next league meeting, while TS Galaxy will entertain log leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns next week Wednesday.
