Benni McCarthy's charges fancied their chances, as Bonginkosi Ntuli, Augustine Mulenga and Matarr Ceesay lead the attack while new signing Abbubaker Mobara made his debut.
The Green Eagles launched the first threat after eight minutes when forward Marouane Hadhoudi headed a penetrative cross against the foot of the post.
AmaZulu started to show their offensive fortitude on the half-hour mark as Mobara drilled a free-kick from a dangerous area over target following a pressured start to the match.
It didn't stop there for Raja nor Usuthu, as the host carved out another chance seconds to halftime through a first-time strike by Kadima Kabangu but Veli Mothwa smothered.
At the other end, Usuthu rued a clear chance with the last kick of the half as a one-two presented Makhehlene Makhaula the chance to make the breakthrough but he nestled the post.
Usuthu continued their buoyant spell moments into the restart and watched Thabo Qalinge scoop a low pass from Mobara wide of the near corner.
Marc Wilmots' men didn't lose momentum but continued searching the opener which came on 67 minutes though a close-range finish from Mohsine Moutaouali after playing a one-two.
AmaZulu brought on Luvuyo Memela in place of Mobara within the last ten minutes of the match and also issued Samkelo Mgwazela a run ahead of Thembela Sikhakhane.
No late drama happened nonetheless this after Raja controlled the latter minutes and registered a win in their opening encounter in Group B.
AmaZulu: Mothwa, Sikhakhane, Gumede, Xoki, Malepe, Qalinge, Mobara, Makhaula, Cessay, Ntuli, Mulenga.