AmaZulu registered their first win in the CAF Champions League group stages with a 1-0 triumph over AC Horoya on Friday evening.
Goalkeeper Veli Mothwa, Thapelo Xoki, Mbongeni Gumede, Makhehlene Makhaula and Augustine Mulenga survived from last week's loss to Raja Casablanca.
A passive start from Usuthu in the opening minutes invited Horoya to surge forward and launched a threat through a rasping drive on the edge of the area by Morlaye Sylla.
Through it all though, Usuthu possessed calmness and went close to taking the lead from a smart header wide of the area by Xoki following a free-kick.
AmaZulu's liveliness and energetic spell continued right on the half-hour mark and went ahead through a clever finish in the area by Luvuyo Memela from a one-touch passing move.
The breakthrough seemed to open the floodgates minutes before halftime which saw Usuthu threaten a for second goal off the head by Abraham Majok, who steered his effort wide.
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With the visitors re-shuffling the pack at the start of the half, a pacey spell followed which had Boniface Haba batter the woodwork from a stray pass by Sandile Khumalo.
The forays from Horoya didn't stop but continued seconds apart through a low snap shot from a tight angle by Pape Abdou N'Diaye, while Usuthu had Thabo Qalinge and Matarr Ceesay on the field.
After a positive spell, the pressure reverted back to Usuthu late on as a free-kick from Sebe Baffour stung the gloves of Mothwa and desperate defending followed thereafter.
Horoya's primary objective as full-time beckoned continued in the form of Haba, but Usuthu had done enough and snatched their first ever group stage win in the Champions League.
Confirmed line-ups:
AmaZulu:Mothwa, Gumede, Khumalo, Xoki, Zulu, Memela, Mlambo, Makhaula, Buchanan, Mulenga, Majok.
Subs: Amonome, Sikhakhane, Mobara, Ceesay, Ekstein, Qalinge, Ntuli.