AmaZulu looked fired up from the outset of the game as the likes of Stehmbiso Dlamini and Sibusiso Hadbe looked lively early on.

Within a few minutes the home side created their first chance of the game as Ayanda Dlamini tested Ajax shot stopper Hans Vonk from the edge of the area.

The home side were however frustrated by some of the refereeing decsions, including that which saw them conceding the only goal of the game.

The Cape side took the lead in the 11^th minute when Dipsy Selolwane slotted home a penalty after AmaZulu captain Pere Ariweriyai was ruled to have fouled Maluleke in the box.

Usuthu looked to try and recover from the goal deficit in the 15^th minute when Ariweriyai attempted to score from a Marc Van Heerden set piece, but he headed wide of goal.

AmaZulu enjoyed the better of the possession as the half wore on, but did not have much to show for their efforts as the Urban Warriors remained well organised in defence.

Usuthu got off to a positive start in the second half, creating a couple of early chances as Sibusiso Hadebe had a shot saved by Vonk in the 51^st minute and then Ayanda Dlamini headed over the bar two minutes later.

Ariweriyai also came close to scoring from Sthembiso Dlamini's corner but his header went into the side netting.

Looking to give themselves the cushion of as a second goal, the Cape side pushed forward and created a couple of chances, but Selolwane shot wide from inside the box, as did by Aboubacar Fofana in the 69^th minute.

The final stages of the game belonged to AmaZulu as they pushed hard for an equaliser.

And Neil Tovey’s men looked to have earned their ticket to a point when they were awarded a penalty after Deniss Ivanovs handled the ball inside his own box.

But Vonk saved van Heerden’s spot kick and then Ayanda Dlamini smashed the rebound over the bar.

Ajax: Vonk, Jenniker (Shabalala 56') , Hlatshwayo, Ivanovs, Allie, Ngobeni, Selolwane, Scott (Davids 46'), Doutie (Serero 73'), Maluleka, Fofana