Ngwenya’s fourth-minute strike sinks Polokwane as AmaZulu go joint second
Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya scored after four minutes and AmaZulu held on for a 1-0 win that lifted them level on 16 points with Orlando Pirates in the early Premiership table.
Nkosikhona Radebe created the only goal, finding Ngwenya for the finish that decided a tight, low-scoring contest.
Polokwane had more of the ball after the break and finished with more shots and corners, but they managed just one effort on target and could not break down Arthur Zwane’s organised defence.
The hosts started poorly and never recovered from that early blow. Bonginkosi Dlamini was booked just after the hour and was immediately replaced by Keorapetse Sebone.
Banele Mnguni and Siyabonga Mashinini also came on as Willy Moloto chased an equaliser. AmaZulu answered with Langelihle Mhlongo for Siphamandla Zikhali, then later introduced Andiswa Sithole and Tebogo Masuku.
Possession finished close to 50-50. Polokwane had 10 shots to AmaZulu’s nine and six corners to three, but the visitors were more clinical and protected the lead without panic.
AmaZulu move to five wins, one draw and one loss in seven games; Polokwane drop to one win, four draws and two defeats and remain eighth.
Ngwenya’s early strike was enough. AmaZulu leave Polokwane with three points and a first-place scrap still very much alive.
