Stellenbosch FC reclaimed third spot on the Betway Premiership table following a 1-0 win over AmaZulu on Tuesday evening.
The home side gave starts to Oscarine Masuluke, Khomotjo Lekoloane, Ibraheem Jabaar, Lesiba Nku and Sanele Barns following the win at Zamalek in the CAF Confederation Cup, while debutant Bayanda Thabede replaced Nkosikhona Radebe as Usuthu’s only change.
It wasn’t a comfortable start for the host, who were called to a make change in the 10th minute when an injury forced Ashley Cupido to make way for Langelihle Phili.
Stellies still went ahead midway in the opening half after Richard Ofori misjudged the flight of Fawaaz Basadien’s corner-kick to give Barns an easy finish.
However, the visiting outfit looked for a swift response and came close when Elmo Kambindu's header was turned away by Masuluke.
Nku nearly doubled the home side’s lead with a cleverly worked shot from the centre of the area, but he went well wide of the intended target.
Stellenbosch continued to hold the momentum just after the start of the second half as Fawaaz Basadien fancied a strike from a decent position, but fluffed his lines.
Arthur Zwane’s boys remained alive despite trailing, with Thembela Sikhakhane shaving the woodwork with a strong header around the six-yard box.
Usuthu added more firepower towards the closing stages with the arrival of Nigerian forward Etiosa Ighodaro, as Ethan Brooks dropped to the bench.
The Maroons continued to push for more goals and very nearly got the second when a promising effort from substitute Devon Titus narrowly missed the top-corner.
Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Ben Motshwari almost levelled matters in added time through a snap-shot outside the area, but he sent his effort wide of the target as Stellenbosch held on for the victory.
Confirmed line-ups:
AmaZulu: Ofori, Sikhakhane, Fielies, Mphahlele, Hanamub, Brooks, Zungu, Motshwari, Thabede, Kambindu, Moremi
Subs: Mothwa, Gumede, Mthethwa, Ngobeni, Mbanjwa, Ekstein, Ighodaro, Mashigo, Human
Stellenbosch FC: Masuluke, Moloisane, Toure, Kazie, Basadien, Khiba, Jabaar, Barns, Lekoloane, Nku, Cupido
Subs: Langeveldt, Mcaba, Mdaka, Nduli, Palace, Phili, Mini, De Jong, Titus
