AmaZulu 1-0 Marumo Gallants — AmaZulu edged Marumo Gallants 1-0 in the South Africa Premier Soccer League on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. A second-half goal from Bongi Ntuli was enough to separate the sides in a hard-fought contest.
Match overview
AmaZulu controlled the opening exchanges, pressing Gallants high and forcing turnovers in midfield. The home side's wingers stretched the defence, while Ntuli provided a focal point in the box. Gallants defended in a deep 5-3-2 block and looked to counter through their quick forwards. Despite AmaZulu's dominance, the first half ended goalless, with Gallants' goalkeeper making two important saves.
Key moments
- 77th minute — AmaZulu take the lead: Riaan Hanamub delivered a pinpoint cross from the left, and Bongi Ntuli powered a header past the goalkeeper from six yards.
- 82nd minute — Gallants respond: Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo curled a free-kick just over the crossbar as the visitors pushed for an equaliser.
- 90+2nd minute — Late drama: AmaZulu's goalkeeper Veli Mothwa produced a stunning save to deny Gallants a last-gasp equaliser, tipping a shot around the post.
Tactical story
AmaZulu's 4-2-3-1 formation allowed their full-backs to overlap and create chances from wide areas. Gallants' 5-3-2 worked well to frustrate AmaZulu for long periods, but their lack of possession meant they struggled to build sustained attacks. The introduction of fresh legs on the wing in the second half gave AmaZulu more penetration, and the winning goal came from exactly that source. Gallants pushed numbers forward late, but AmaZulu's defence held firm.
Standout players
Ntuli was the hero with his decisive header, while Hanamub's assist capped a strong all-round performance. Mothwa's late save secured the clean sheet. For Gallants, Ndlondlo was their most dangerous player, and their goalkeeper kept the score down with several saves.
Season impact and PSL context
The victory moves AmaZulu into a promising position in the South Africa Premier Soccer League standings, boosting their confidence ahead of a demanding run of fixtures. Marumo Gallants remain in search of consistency but will take heart from a disciplined defensive display. The result adds three important points to AmaZulu's tally and strengthens their home record at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

