AmaZulu and Baroka drew 1-1 in an Absa Premiership match at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday night.

The draw sees Usuthu remain ninth on the league standings, while Bakgaga Ba Ga Mphahlele also keep their place atop the table - the Limpopo side having only suffered a single defeat this season.

The two sides struggled to create clear cut chances in the opening 15 minutes of the match and the two goalkeepers were not seriously tested.

However, as the match progressed, Bakgaga Ba Ga Mphahlele began applying some pressure on the Usuthu defence.

Baroka were awarded a penalty in the 29th minute after Gift Motupa was fouled in the AmaZulu box.

The Orlando Pirates loanee then stepped up and beat AmaZulu goalkeeper Boalefa Pule from the spot-kick to make it 1-0 to Baroka.

But the visitor's lead lasted for only four minutes as Rhulani Manzini scored with a brilliant overhead kick.

The score was 1-1 at halftime between AmaZulu and Baroka following a tightly contested first-half.

The hosts played much better after the introduction of Siyethemba Mnguni in the second-half as the winger kept the Baroka defence busy.

However, the Bakgaga Ba Ga Mphahlele defence ,which was led by their inspirational captain Olaleng Shaku, looked solid and resolute despite AmaZulu's attacking intentions.

Baroka coach Kgoloko Thobejane introduced Malawian striker Robin Ngalande in the 68th minute as visitors looked to break the deadlock.

Both sides had chances in the closing stages of the match as they searched for a late winning goal.

It was not to be however, as the two teams had to settle for a point apiece on South Africa's East Coast.

AmaZulu (1) 1 (Manzini 33')

Baroka (1) 1 (Motupa 29')

Teams:

AmaZulu: Pule, Gumede M, Mtsweni, Gumede P, Sikhakhane, Darpoh, Ncube, Mbatha B (Mnguni 46'), Ncobeni, Cele, Manzini (Khenyeza 68').

Baroka: Vries, Shaku, Matloga (Mahashe 77'), Chawapiwa (Ngalande 63'), Banda, Moeti, Kgoetyane, Mothupa, Madubanya, Mdantsane, Motupa (Nguzana 83').