AmaZulu have secured a place in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals after defeating Kruger United 1-0 in a closely contested encounter on Sunday.

Hendrick Ekstein emerged as the match-winner, converting a penalty in the 78th minute to send Usuthu through to the last eight of the competition.

The match was evenly balanced for much of the contest, with both teams seeking a breakthrough but struggling to find the back of the net during the opening stages.

As the second half progressed, the possibility of extra time remained, with neither side able to establish a decisive advantage. However, AmaZulu eventually found their opportunity when they were awarded a penalty with 12 minutes remaining in regulation time.

Ekstein stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, giving the KwaZulu-Natal side a crucial lead at a decisive stage of the match.

Kruger United faced an uphill task after conceding, with limited time available to find an equaliser and keep their cup campaign alive.

AmaZulu managed the closing stages and protected their advantage until the final whistle, confirming their progression to the quarter-finals.

The victory keeps Usuthu’s hopes of lifting the Carling Knockout trophy alive as the competition moves into its next phase.

For Kruger United, the narrow defeat ends their participation in the tournament.

AmaZulu will now await confirmation of their quarter-final opponents as they prepare for the next challenge in their pursuit of silverware.

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