Stars edge AmaZulu

Johannesburg - Malawian star Robert Ng’ambi scored a powerful header to separate the sides as Platinum Stars beat AmaZulu 2-1, giving Usuthu plenty to think about.
 
While Roger Palmgren was out the country attending to personal matters in midweek, assistant coach Fani Madida steered AmaZulu to a win over Moroka Swallows, their first of the season.
 
But with the head coach back in the hot seat, they were not able to re produce the goods.
 
The match was played in 28 degrees heat on a perfect Royal Bafokeng Stadium surface, but the game itself was dull at times and not the greatest advert for football.
 
In the 20th minute, Stars counter attacked swiftly and Mogakolodi Ngele got in a shot at goal, but Philani Zikalala kept out the danger.
 
In probably the best chance of the opening stanza, Thokozani Mshengu used his pace to get around the left back, only to see his shot fly into the near post side netting.
 
Two minutes later Ayanda Dlamini flashed a right-footed shot across goal which looked destined for the bottom corner, but Siyabonga Mpontshane saved low to his right.
 
Then, inside the final minute of the half, Dikwena scored.
 
Luvolwethu Mpeta got free down the left and put in a fantastic cross with pace on it, which was steered into his own net by AmaZulu defender Carlington Nyadombo.
 
Former Amakhosi man Thuso Phala came on at the start of the second half and within one minute should have put his team further ahead, but dragged his shot across goal.
 
Then Usuthu replied in the 49th minute with an equaliser through Ayanda Dlamini, after a good early pass by Kagiso Senamela put him through on goal.
 
With twenty minutes to go, Robert Ng’ambi buried a powerful header past Zikalala from an excellent Vuyo Mere cross from the right flank.