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Benni McCarthy’s regime at AmaZulu got off to a winning start after the Durban side rallied to defeat Eastern Cape’s Chippa United at Kings Park Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
McCarthy joined Usuthu a few days ago and will have been impressed by the fighting spirit of his new teammates after they bounced back from an early goal by Isaac Nhlapo in the 14th minute to beat the visitors 3-1 in a league match. fast paced.
AmaZulu never let Nhlapo’s initial setback get to them and the locals’ persistence paid off when Augustine Mulenga drew after an impressive Sphelele Mthembu enabled him in the 23rd minute.
Mthembu and Mulenga were involved in the preparation for the second goal, and they teamed up superbly to prepare Luvuyo Memela, who duly beat goalkeeper Ayanda Mtshali with a good shot in the 29th minute.
The preparation for the second goal will please McCarthy as the AmaZulu players put together a series of impressive passes that puzzled the visitors of Port Elizabeth, eventually ending up at the back of the Mtshali net.
Chippa’s coach Lehlohonolo Seema must have given his charges Alex Ferguson’s infamous ‘blow dryer treatment’ during halftime as they returned from the locker room with more determination and intent, keeping the home team on the defensive in the early days. minutes of the period.
They had two great chances early in the second half and with a bit of luck they could have found the elusive draw that could have influenced a different outcome of the match.
Second-half substitute Tebogo Qinisile should have leveled the visitors in the 54th minute, but his shot on goal from a meter away was blocked by the incredibly alert AmaZulu goalkeeper Siyabonga Mbatha.
The Durban team rebounded from the shock and launched a quick counterattack that saw Mulenga become supplier to that man Memela, and edged out Mtshali with a cheeky rear heel to increase the lead in the 55th minute.
The two teams continued to seek more goals, but AmaZulu held on to secure a winning start for McCarthy on his debut.
The 3-1 result will please AmaZulu owner Sandile Zungu as McCarthy appears ready to back up the promise he made when he was appointed a week ago.
Zungu poured out on several new players at the start of the season and made it clear that he is aiming to finish in the top four for the team.
But McCarthy, who replaced Ayanda Dlamini, said he has his sights set on finishing higher in the rankings.
It was AmaZulu’s first win in five games and they will have to deliver similar results if they are to make the ambitious club owner happy.
Chippa’s coach Seema will have a lot to think about during the holiday break as his charges have put on great performances in recent weeks but have little to show for their troubles.
Other Premiership Results:
Friday, December 18:
Maritzburg United 2 – 2 Stellenbosch FC
Saturday December 19:
Golden Arrows 1 – 1 Mamelodi Sundowns
Kaizer Chiefs 1 – 1 Bloemfontein Celtic
Baroka FC 1 – 3 SuperSport United
Cape Town 3 – 2 TS Galaxy
Sunday December 20:
AmaZulu 3 – 1 Chippa United
Black Leopards 1-2 Swallows FC
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