AmaZulu began the CAF Champions League Group Stages with a 1-0 loss against Raja Casablanca at the Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca.
It was a brave performance from AmaZulu, who fought hard, and were always in the game.
Raja Casablanca 1-0 AmaZulu
After a tentative start to the game for Benni McCarthy’s team, who are making their CAF Champions League debut this season, Usuthu began to gain confidence against the three-time African champions.
But it was Raja who had the first chances, and they went close in the 14th minute when Marouane Hadhoudi’s header struck the upright, while there captain Mouhsine Moutaouali shot wide a minute later.
Kadima Kabangu rose well to head at goal in the 27th minute, but his attempt went straight at Veli Mothwa, a minute later Mothwa saved from the DRC striker again.
Abbubaker Mobara, in his first ever Usuthu appearance, tried from a free kick in the 33rd minute, but his shot was always going over Marouane Fakhr’s goal. A minute later at the other end Beni Badibanga forced a good save from Mothwa, diving to his right.
Abdelilah Madkour’ ball in the 42nd minute flashed across the goal, while Kabangu’s header in the 45th minute went wide.
Mothwa pulled off some stoppage time heroics to save from point blank range from Kabangu, before a great counter attack ended with Makhehleni Makhaula hitting the woodwork with a fine shot. At halftime it remained goalless.
Buoyed by their first half performance, AmaZulu came out after the break with more intent, and Mobara set Thabo Qalinge up for a good chance in the 51st minute, but he scuffed his shot with just the goalkeeper to beat and it went wide.
But soon Raja had control again and Kabangu had an excellent chance in the 64th minute, but he couldn’t get his header on target, however Raja finally made the breakthrough as an unmarked Moutaouali was able to control the ball and shoot under Mothwa to make it 1-0 in the 68th minute.
Mohamed Zrida’s long range attempt in the 77th minute was on target, but Mothwa saved easily.
Usuthu pushed hard in the end for an equaliser, but despite a brave effort they were frustrated by Raja’s defence, and time-wasting antics.
McCarthy’s men will now return to South Africa and regroup ahead of Friday’s match against Horoya in Durban.
