Junior Dion was the star as he scored a first-half hat-trick as AmaZulu beat Golden Arrows 3-0 in the Carling Knockout Cup to reach the semi-final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
The Ivory Coast striker scored in the seventh minute with his knee, the second came in the 30th minute when lobbed the ball over Arrows goalie Olufemi Kayode.
The third goal one would blame Arrows lackadaisical defending, allowing the former Marumo Gallants striker to head home in the additional time of the first half unmarked.
This was the first loss coach Mabhuti Khenyeza suffered in six matches since he was appointed last month.
But Arrows had their chances to get back in the game when Lungelo Nguse’s shot lacked the purchase early in the second half after he robbed Mbongeni Gumede.
This was a double-header game at the venue – as these two sides watched Orlando Pirates lose to Richards Bay in a penalty shootout.
AmaZulu looked very good and it was not a surprise when the goal came early, with Dion controlling the ball with his knee from Mlondi Mbanjwa’s cross.
Dion wheeled away to celebrate the second, clipping over the onrushing Kayode after Arrows’ defence was cut apart by the brilliant pass of Pule Ekstein.
Kayode was left injured by Dion after the Ivorian scored the goal, knocking him in his nose with his knee. Jelly Chavali had to add 10 minutes as the Nigerian was left blooded.
Those minutes saw Usuthu punish Arrows further as Dion was unmarked from Riaan Hanamub’s corner.
As Usuthu were in dreamland, Arrows coach Khenyeza and his assistant coach Musa Bilankulu were left pondering on what else to do to stop the damage that was strongly coming from Usuthu.
On the other hand, Usuthu president Sandile Zungu was seen dancing in his box, rejoicing his side’s fast start to stranglehold the game.
Considering how they lost their way to lose two points against Chippa United, Usuthu, this time, were very tight and nice at the back.
Before the second half started, Khenyeza brought on Nguse for Knox Mutizwa and Ryan Moon for Tebogo Tlolale.
However, the pyrotechnics went off across the venue for unknown celebrations, and Arrows were hoping that might stung them back to life but they could not threaten Usuthu’s limping defence.
Even when Mothwa almost produced another horror moment, playing a deadly pass to Mbongeni Gumede, Nguse, left clean through, failed to test Usuthu skipper.
This represents a good opportunity for small or medium clubs to win the League Cup as Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns are not in the semi-final of the Knockout Cup for the first time in the PSL era.
The draw of the semi-final will take place on Monday night.
