AmaZulu advanced to the quarterfinals of the Carling Knockout Cup after snatching a late 1-0 winner against Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium on Saturday evening.
The solitary 88th minute goal from defender Taariq Fielies was enough to send Amakhosi packing early in the competition and extend their long trophy drought.
Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki named a relatively competitive side, which saw Keagan Dolly return to the starting line-up, veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune in goals, and striker Ranga Chivaviro leading the line of attack.
All players from both sides must have gone into the game gassed-up, with the staggering R100 000 man-of-the-match fat cheque in mind.
It was a relatively slow start for both teams, with the only threatening goal attempt coming from Chivaviro in the 24th minute when his shot from a long way out was tipped over the bar by Usuthu goalkeeper Veli Mothwa.
Chiefs suffered a defensive blow when Edmilson Dove was forced out with an injury, which saw Zitha Kwinika replace him.
Usuthu came out in the second half the liveliest of both sides, as they intensified the pressure by taking the game to the home side.
Ntseki was somewhat sensing that a goal is forthcoming and made two double substitutions which saw Yusuf Maart and Chivaviro make way for Spanish speaking duo of Jasond Gonzalez and Edson Castillo.
The substitutions did, however, not affect the game as much as Ntseki would have wanted, as Amakhosi did not cause any troubles for the visitors in the final third.
The patience of AmaZulu on and off the ball did eventually pay off two minutes before the 90 minutes, as Fielies stunned Ntseki and his Glamour Boys, when he found the back of the net after beating a fully stretched Khune with his shot from the edge of the box.
Usuthu now join TS Galaxy, Orlando Pirates, Golden Arrows, Stellenbosch FC in the quarterfinals, while Chiefs crash out in the first round.
Despite the defeat, Dolly most likely went home with a smile on his face as he was voted the man-of-the-match and walked away with R100 000.
