Kaizer Chiefs made hard work of Sunday's MTN8 semi-final clash with AmaZulu before eventually managing a 1-1 first leg draw.
It was not the most convincing of performances from Arthur Zwane's side, who continue to battle to find top gear this season.
Brandon Truter's AmaZulu men will surely be feeling they can beat Amakhosi in the return match in three weeks time.
Winner: Kgaogelo Sekgota
Built on his good showing for Bafana Bafana last week with a superb display against Usuthu. Still needs to become more clinical and he tends to go down easily around the box, but there was plenty of cut and thrust in the former Swallows player's performance. He's now established himself as a first team regular after struggling last season to make an impact.
Winner: Gabadinho Mhango
The Orlando Pirates 'reject' reminded everyone of what a deadly striker he is when he scored the opening goal, showing a lovely touch to control George Maluleka's pass before finishing with a controlled low effort into the corner.
Winner: Keagan Dolly
He hasn't been at his best this season, but Dolly has now scored for Chiefs in his last two games and made a big impact off the bench in Soweto on Sunday.
Loser: George Matlou
The Amakhosi midfielder was an unused sub - yet earned himself a straight red card after he had run onto the field after the match and got into an altercation with Veli Mothwa, the AmaZulu keeper.
Loser: Ashley du Preez
The former Stellenbosch FC striker was off with his decision-making and application and he should have given Amakhosi the lead early in the game, but ballooned the ball over the bar - with Mothwa on the ground still after having made the initial save. It won't have helped his confidence.
Loser: Gabadinho Mhango
The Malawi international was sent off in the 89th minute for what seemed like dissent. Considering he's been playing well and scoring, the two-match ban will be a big setback for Usuthu.
Itumeleng Khune - 6/10
Enjoyed a quiet second half after a busy first half. Khune produced a double save as Usuthu made a strong start to the game, before being beaten hands down by Mhango. He was not tested after the restart as Amakhosi dominated the game.
Dillon Solomons - 6.5/10
Started poorly before improving. Solomons should have done better to stop Mhango from scoring, but he recovered well. Solomons did contain the AmaZulu star and he began pushing forward which saw him grab an assist.
Sifiso Hlanti - 6/10
Solid defensively. Hlanti looked solid in the left-back position - winning his duels against Dumisani Zuma. However, Hlanti didn't offer much going forward.
Zitha Kwinika - 6.5/10
Showed leadership in defence. Kwinika did well to organize his defence and was vocal in his approach. He nearly scored when Riaan Hanamub made a crucial goal-line clearance from his headed effort.
Edmilson Dove - 7.5/10
Great performance. Dove was strong in the tackle and positioned himself well to thwart AmaZulu's offence. He also started some of Amakhosi's attacking moves thanks to his good passing ability.
Njabulo Blom - 7/10
Sat just in front of the defence and did his job. Blom made a commanding start to the game and stuck to the basics throughout the match. He won back possession and distributed the ball with aplomb.
Yusuf Maart - 6.5/10
In the thick of proceedings once again. Maart was sharp on the turn and played some good forward passes as he helped Chiefs progress the ball. He also had two rasping shots saved by goalkeeper Veli Mothwa.
Siyethemba Sithebe - 5/10
Struggled to impose himself in midfield. Sithebe struggled to create chances for his teammates having deployed as a playmaker - giving away possession at times. He was substituted at half-time.
Kgaogelo Sekgota - 8/10
Showed his qualities once again. Sekgota beat his markers with ease with his explosive speed and mesmerizing dribbling skills which unsettled the AmaZulu defence. His delivery into the visitors' box was also good. Named Man of the Match.
Ashley du Preez - 5/10
Poor performance. Du Preez failed to perform his main duty as a forward which is to score - missing a sitter after being sent through on goal and he also gave away possession several times when Chiefs were attacking.
Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana - 5.5/10
Showed good positioning, but was wasteful. Bimenyimana couldn't keep his attempts on target and he could have easily grabbed a brace if he took his chances in the final third.
Reeve Frosler - 5/10
Didn't make an impact as he was never tested defensively and he didn't offer much offensively having been introduced in the 82nd minute.
Nkosingiphile Ngcobo - 6/10
Put in a decent shift after coming on in the 74th minute - combining well with teammates and also tracked back to help his side's defence.
Keagan Dolly - 7/10
Breathed life into Chiefs' attack - making dangerous runs and playing good crosses into the AmaZulu box and he took his goal well when he levelled matters.
Arthur Zwane - 6.5/ 10
Should probably have started Dolly, but otherwise put out a decent enough team and it wasn't his fault that Chiefs were wasteful with the chances they did create.
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