AmaZulu and TP Mazembe played to a goalless draw in their CAF Champions League second preliminary round match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
This was always going to a big test for Benni McCarthy’s continental debutants, facing a team who have the tournament five times.
While there was a chance for Mazembe in the opening twenty minutes, Veli Mothwa was on hand to stop the effort from Etienne Mayombo, and for the most Usuthu were giving as good as they got, but while they made in-roads on attacks, they weren’t able to test the goalkeeper in that period.
Siphesihle Maduna tried from range in the 22nd minute, but his shot flow over Ibrahim Mounkoro’s goal, while Mazembe were awarded a dangerous free kick around the half hour mark, but Joseph Ochaya’s effort went straight at Mothwa.
Bonginkosi Ntuli’s header in first half stoppage time was on target, but Mounkoro made the save and at halftime it remained goalless.
Both teams continued to push for goals, but there were few chances at goal still, though Mazembe went close in the 73rd minute but Mothwa saved from close range.
Usuthu were awarded a dangerous free kick in the 82nd minute, but Thapelo Xoki’s effort flew just over the goal, while three minutes later Sandile Khumalo made a massive block to deny the visitors a golden chance.
But at full time, it remained goalless and Usuthu will now have to do something in the second leg in the DRC.
Diables Noirs 0-0 Orlando Pirates
Earlier in the day Orlando Pirates played to a goalless draw in their CAF Confederation Cup first leg second preliminary round match against Diables Noirs at the State Alphonse Massemba-Debat in Brazzaville.
Marumo Gallants 2-1 AS Vita
Celimpilo Ngema scored a brace as Marumo Gallants won 2-1 in their first leg match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday evening. Despite just going down to ten men, Vita scored a late away goal.