AmaZulu FC
AmaZulu FC secured a 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants to end their perfect start in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership at Princess Magogo Stadium on Wednesday evening, with Hendrick Ekstein’s late first-half goal proving decisive in a hard-fought encounter.
In a tense battle that saw AmaZulu climb the league table, the hosts claimed their second win of the season, moving up to sixth place with six points. Marumo Gallants, also known as Bahlabane Ba Ntwa, suffered their first defeat after two opening victories, halting their bid for a third straight win and leaving them level on six points but slipping in the standings. This result allowed AmaZulu to exact revenge on Gallants, who had beaten them 1-0 in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 back in February 2025, thanks to a goal from Junior Zindoga. The win highlighted AmaZulu’s defensive resilience and clinical edge, while Gallants rued missed opportunities in a match that could have gone either way.
The game at Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban kicked off with AmaZulu, nicknamed Usuthu, showing more intent from the start. They dominated the first half, creating several clear chances but had to wait until stoppage time to break the deadlock. Hendrick Ekstein, a key playmaker for AmaZulu, delivered the moment of magic with an in-swinging free kick from the left flank in the 45+3 minute. The ball evaded everyone in a crowded penalty area and nestled into the back of the net past Gallants goalkeeper Washington Arubi, sending the home fans into raptures and giving AmaZulu a deserved 1-0 lead at the break.
Earlier in the half, Ekstein had blazed over the crossbar from a promising position, missing a golden opportunity to open the scoring sooner. Siyanda Hlangabeza, who was later named Man of the Match for his tireless performance and defensive contributions, unleashed a thunderous drive from just outside the box that whistled narrowly wide. Sandile Mthethwa also came close, heading over after outjumping Arubi to meet a teasing cross. On the other side, Gallants’ only real threat in the opening 45 minutes came from Jaisen Clifford, whose curling free kick had AmaZulu goalkeeper Darren Johnson momentarily worried before it bent wide of the post.
The second half saw Gallants, desperate to preserve their unbeaten run, push forward more aggressively. Ekstein nearly doubled AmaZulu’s lead just 10 minutes after the restart, but he scuffed his shot wide under pressure. Around the hour mark, Tebogo Mashigo had a prime chance for AmaZulu to extend their advantage. He broke through and could have either shot or squared the ball for substitute Andiswa Sithole to tap in, but a challenge caused his foot to dig into the turf, resulting in a missed opportunity and a serious knee injury that forced him off the field.
As the clock ticked down, Gallants ramped up the pressure, throwing bodies forward in search of an equaliser. Substitutes like Thabiso Mabuza and Tshepo Motloung added fresh legs, but AmaZulu’s well-organised defence, marshalled by Taariq Fielies and Riaan Hanamub, stood firm against the late onslaught. The visitors’ frustration was evident as they failed to create any clear-cut chances in the final minutes, with AmaZulu comfortably seeing out the game to secure the three points.
This victory was crucial for AmaZulu, who had started the season with mixed results. Their first win came against Orbit College earlier in August 2025, a 1-0 triumph that set a positive tone. Now, with six points from three matches, they sit level with Gallants and others in a tightly packed mid-table. Gallants, meanwhile, had impressed with back-to-back wins, including a 2-1 upset over Orlando Pirates on 12 August 2025 and a 2-1 victory against Richards Bay, but this loss exposed vulnerabilities in their attack against a stubborn defence.
Looking at the broader Betway Premiership picture as of 21 August 2025, Sekhukhune United and Kaizer Chiefs lead the way with nine points each after three wins apiece. Sekhukhune’s strong start includes a 1-0 win over Orlando Pirates, while Chiefs have been clinical in front of goal. Mamelodi Sundowns, the defending champions, are close behind with seven points following a 2-0 win over Magesi FC on the same evening, thanks to goals from Jayden Adams and Peter Shalulile. Orlando Pirates bounced back with a 1-0 victory against Stellenbosch FC, moving to four points. At the bottom, teams like Magesi FC and Richards Bay are still searching for their first wins, with just two and one point respectively.
While detailed match statistics such as possession and shots were not immediately available post-match, AmaZulu’s dominance in creating chances suggests they edged the territorial battle. Gallants’ inability to convert pressure into goals in the second half was a key factor in their defeat.
AmaZulu coach Pablo Franco Martin will be pleased with his team’s grit, especially after a challenging pre-season. In contrast, Gallants’ technical team, led by Dan Malesela, might reflect on tactical adjustments needed for upcoming fixtures. No immediate post-match quotes were available, but the result speaks volumes about AmaZulu’s growing confidence.
Both teams now look ahead to their next league outings in midweek. Marumo Gallants travel to face Stellenbosch FC on Tuesday, 26 August 2025, hoping to regain momentum. AmaZulu, buoyed by this win, visit leaders Sekhukhune United on Wednesday, 27 August 2025, in what promises to be a stern test.
Match Lineups and Substitutions
AmaZulu FC: Darren Johnson; Keagan Allan, Sandile Mthethwa, Taariq Fielies, Riaan Hanamub; Siyanda Hlangabeza (Blessing Mbanjwa 90’), Ben Motshwari, Celimpilo Ngema, Hendrick Ekstein (Andiswa Sithole 60’), Msindisi Ndlovu, Tebogo Mashigo (Siyabonga Mzobe 65’).
Marumo Gallants: Washington Arubi; Thabiso Ncube, Thabang Chabatsane, Siyabonga Sikhosana, Thabang Mabotja; Daniel Msendami, Andile Sithole, Thabang Nhlapo, Thabiso Mpambaniso (Tshepo Motloung 77’), Sibusiso Khumalo (Thabiso Mabuza 56’), Jaisen Clifford (Andiswa Sithole 77’ [Siyabonga Mhlongo 90+1’]).
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