AmaZulu Dramatically Defeat Polokwane

Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya emerged as the saviour for AmaZulu FC on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, scoring a dramatic 113th-minute winner to secure a 2-1 victory over 10-man Polokwane City. 

The result at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium marks a historic milestone for “Usuthu,” as it was their first-ever away win against “Rise and Shine” and their first victory in a cup meeting between the two sides.

The match burst into life in the 10th minute when Taariq Fielies headed home from a corner to give the visitors an early lead. 

However, Polokwane City responded valiantly despite being reduced to ten men in the 32nd minute following a “reckless, studs-up challenge” by 20-year-old Monty Batlhabane. 

The hosts equalised just before half-time through a Lebohang Nkaki penalty after Thabang Matuludi was fouled in the box.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Polokwane City’s defence held firm through a gruelling second half and the first period of extra time. 

Reflecting on the resilience shown, an exhausted but proud Polokwane City captain noted after the final whistle, “To play for nearly 90 minutes with ten men is a massive physical toll, but the boys gave everything for the badge today.”

The deadlock was finally broken when Ngwenya tapped in a cross following a brilliant individual run by Nkosikhona Radebe. 

Speaking to the media after the match, AmaZulu’s match-winner Ngwenya expressed his relief: “I missed a couple of chances earlier in the game, so to get that touch in the 113th minute was everything. We knew we had to stay patient against a team that was defending so deep.”

The victory ends Polokwane City’s unbeaten home record for the 2025/26 season and sees AmaZulu progress to the Nedbank Cup Round of 16.

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