Amazulu grab maximum points in Pretoria

In an encounter that looked destined to go down as a goalless draw, Dlamini's late heroics snatched three points, as Usuthu picked off a loose pass from Bevan Fransman and punished their hosts seconds from the end.

A lively opening quarter saw both teams threaten the opposing goal, but neither were able to force a decisive save from the goalkeepers.

AmaZulu came closest to opening the scoring on 19 minutes, as Bongani Ndulula grazed the upright with a curled effort in front of goal, after leaving the United defence in chaos with some enterprising play.

Matsatsantsa replied with a chance of their own five minutes later, but Skhumbuzo Mazibuko was also denied by the woodwork, as his long-range effort went agonisingly close to grabbing the lead.

Shortly before the interval, Usuthu had the best chance of the half and should have taken the lead, but for a superb save from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who parried Ayanda Dlamini's shot from dead in front.

Dlamini received the ball well inside the SuperSport area, after a delivery into the box was left alone for the striker, who failed to tuck the ball away when it looked easier to score.

The teams went into the break goalless and looking for some inspiration following a dull first 45 minutes, and United's Sibusiso Khumalo provided the second period's first opportunity from distance.

Khumalo connected a vicious volley from a long way out and forced AmaZulu shot-stopper Philanih Zikalala into making a tricky save on his goal-line.

The teams struggled to find their feet in the final third as the clock wound down, with neither side looking likely to break the deadlock.

But with just three minutes left, Dlamini picked up a deadly delivery at his feet, before smashing home past a helpless Williams, who had no way of keeping Dlamini's thunderous effort out.

(File photo:Gallo Images)

- Sapa