Cape Town - AmaZulu produced a stunning fightback to record a 2-1 win over Free Stars in an Absa Premiership clash at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Free State Stars were handed the lead just four minutes in. Mbongeni Gumede blindly passed the ball back towards Moeneeb Josephs who was already coming out and couldn't react in time to stop it from rolling into the net.
In the 15th minute, Ea Lla Koto spurned a golden opportunity to double their lead. Usuthu had Josephs to thank as he pulled off a brilliant save to deny Cesair Gandze, who latched on to a delightful cross from Eleazar Rodgers.
Five minutes later, the hosts threatened with a chance of their own. Tade and Vilakazi combined well in the middle of the park before the latter fired from range, but Olivier Kwizera did well to hold onto the stinging effort.
With five minutes left before the break, Stars sprang a quick counter as Harris Tchilimbou ran clear, dribbled past Josephs and fired his shot against the post when he really should've scored.
The KZN outfit almost found a way back into the contest seconds after the restart through Emiliano Tade, who dragged his shot wide from a difficult angle.
Ten minutes later, the Argentine striker was not to be denied. With time and space from just outside the box, he fired a cracking drive past Kwizera into the top-left corner.
In the 75th minute, Goodman Dlamini sent Yusuf Jappie through on goal. He showed good pace and only had Josephs to beat, but again the veteran keeper came out and made a sprawling save.
In the 87th minute Siyethemba Sithebe had a big chance to equalise, but his ferocious strike hit the post.
Seconds later, Thembela Sikhakhane picked out Mbongeni Cele in the box and the substitute hammered home to hand AmaZulu all three points.