A late goal by Roland Putsche helped Cape Town City claim a narrow 1-0 victory over AmaZulu at Cape Town Stadium on Friday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The Citizens came into this encounter occupying eighth place following their 1-1 draw with SuperSport United in their previous league encounter.

Usuthu, meanwhile, were placed 12th in the standings after playing out to a 1-1 draw with Orlando Pirates last week.

Benni McCarthy’s side got off to a bright start and nearly broke the deadlock after seven minutes, but Phumlani Gumede came to AmaZulu’s rescue when he made a goal-saving tackle to deny Sibusiso Masina.

Usuthu had a chance of their own in the 27th minute when Siduduzo Dlamini made his ways through on goal before blazing his effort straight to the Cape Town City shot-stopper.

The home side had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock after 40 minutes when Putsche latched onto an Aubrey Ngoma free-kick before guiding his effort over the target.

Victor Obinna should’ve handed City the lead, but the former West Ham striker was unable to convert his effort from close range as the game went into the half time interval locked at 0-0.

The visiting side came out with more intent in the second half and commanded more possession of the ball in the early exchanges.

Dlamini should’ve put the game to bed in the 75th minute when he unleashed an effort at goal; unfortunately his attempt sailed over the target from close range.

However, City eventually took the lead with seven minutes remaining after Putsche slotted the ball home before both Teko Modise and Nana Akisah-Bempah rattled the woodwork with their respective efforts.

McCarthy’s side managed to hold on to their one-goal lead over AmaZulu until the final whistle to claim all three points and climb to third in the Absa Premiership standings.

Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix