AmaZulu managed to clinch a 1-0 victory over Free State Stars on Saturday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, courtesy of Mbulelo Mabizela’s goal in their Absa Premiership match.

Usuthu's first chance came in the fifth minute, but Bornwell Mwape was selfish as he tried to get the job done by himself instead of passing to Robyn Johannes inside the box.

Bongani Ndulula who had come in for Bongi Ntuli, also had an opportunity to open the scoring for Usuthu but he carried the ball for too long which gave the opposition a chance to react in the 21st minute.

Stars also tried to break into the AmaZulu wall but Mbulelo Mabizela was solid at the back.

In the 33 minute Goodman Dlamini hit a powerful strike outside the box but Free State Stars goalkeeper Mathole made a good save.

Towards the end of the second half Ndulula also had another chance through Mwape’s cross inside the box but could not reach the ball through a slide.

The second half began with no changes from both the sides.

Venter tried to break in but AmaZulu were too solid with Marc Van Heerden playing his heart out.

In the 54 minute Mbulelo Mabizela gave his side a lead through Van Heerden’s corner kick which saw Usuthu taking a 1-0 lead.

Free State Stars kept on searching for an equalizer but things did not go their way as AmaZulu maintained the 1-0 lead. Then Van Heerden supplied another set piece but this time Mabizela’s header went over the cross bar.

In the 71st minute Free State Stars had a chance to equalize but Venter failed to make a solid final touch.

Zambia international Mwape came close to doubling the score for AmaZulu but his long range shot hit the side bar in the 85 minute.

Two minutes later Venter delivered a good cross but Murambadoro managed to get hold of it and this saw AmaZulu walking away with the full points.

AmaZulu 1 ( Mabizela 54’)

AmaZulu: Murambadoro, Pietersen ( Hlanti 22’), V Heerden, Mabizela, O-Akoriko, Johannes, Arwuah (T Dlamini 77’), Dlamini G, Nyongo, Ndulula, Mwape ( Madondo 87’)

FS Stars: Mathole, Sankara, Cardoso, Kerspuy ( Adam 79’), Angula, Masehe, Mashego, Tlhone (Henyekane 70’), Masana ( Thethane 51’), Venter, Sekola.