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Durban - AmaZulu and Mpumulanga Black Aces played to a dull goalless draw at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday afternoon. However, the point means that AmaZulu moves into 11th position of the Absa Premiership log and still remain in the hunt for a Top 8 finish while Aces' share of the spoils sees them climb off the foot of the table into 15th place.
Goal scoring chances were few and far between throughout the match, which was for the most part, a lack-lustre affair. The scorching heat certainly didn't make the conditions easier for the players who seemed to be using their energy sparingly, as a result.
However, Energy Murambadoro, the Aces keeper, was called into action as early as the second minute when he had to use long legs to keep out striker Bradley Ritson's low drive.
Ritson caused more consternation for the keeper in the 20th minute when, on this occasion, Murambadoro's upright prevented the AmaZulu marksman from hitting the target with a firm header.
At the opposite end, Mbongeni Mzimela's crossbar came to his rescue when he attempted to parry Gilbert Mushangazike's shot from the edge of AmaZulu penalty area in the 24th minute.
The home side's captain Pere Ariweriyai had his bench on the edge of their seats in the 41st minute when he tried to cushion a header back to his keeper; instead, Mzimela had to be at full stretch to prevent the ball from entering his goals.
Mushangazike deflected Sandile Zuke's cross on target a minute before the break but Mzimela was well positioned to deal with the danger.
Shortly after the break, AmaZulu's Thabo Mabaso made an energetic break down the right flank, but as he neared the Aces goal area he skied his attempt. The small gathering of supporters had to wait until the 75th minute to witness the next attempt on goal.
It came when Aces Lindokhule Mbatha let rip with a low drive which slipped out of the hands of Mzimela. Luckily for the keeper, the ball trickled into touch for a corner.
AmaZulu striker Dlamini should have secured the points for his team when Ritson put him clear, but Murambadoro stuck out a boot in the nick of time to avert the danger in the 78th minute.
