Benni McCarthy's AmaZulu side sparked wild celebrations after making history with a 1-1 draw at TP Mazembe to qualify for the group stages of the CAF Champions League for the first time ever.
READ | Usuthu book CAF CL group stage spot
Bongi Ntuli scored the decisive goal as Usuthu advanced to the next round of the continental competition thanks to away goals rule after a goalless draw in the first-leg.
McCarthy's team, led by goalkeeper Veli Mothwa celebrated their historic achievement wildly in party scenes on the pitch alongside club owner Sandile Zungu.
The excitement is on another level! ????????
— AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) October 23, 2021
Group stage loading… #TotalEngergiesCAFCL #HebeUsuthu#UsuthuTogether pic.twitter.com/TD9AxPrDiW
God of the Zungus….God of ?@AmaZuluFootball? God of ?@mfanawasemlazi? God of ?@bennimccarthy17? they never believed in us they called us names they said will never reach the group stages…Hloniphani(RESPECT) AmaZulu bafethu ???? pic.twitter.com/2hOnoykD8p
— Manzini Zungu (@ManziniZungu_) October 23, 2021
Despite the messed up treatment & scuffles with security forces @AmaZuluFootball came with that attitude of CHAMPIONS & did the things!! CONGRATULATIONS on qualifying for the #CAFCL group stages guys! This is HUGE!!@ManziniZungu_ @mfanawasemlazi @ZakesBantwiniSA
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) October 23, 2021
???????????? pic.twitter.com/RYFSZAwhq2
McCarthy also lambasted the treatment they received from TP Mazembe who he accused of trying to destabilise his side with fake positive Covid-19 tests.
"Due to these fake positive Covid-19 tests, and that for the calibre of Mazembe to have played these kinds of tricks.
"You want to cheat to get over the line, but we showed some unbelievable quality today."
AmaZulu next face Sekhukhune United in a DStv Premiership clash at Ellis Park Stadium on Wednesday.
Kick-off is at 17:30.