Durban City FC were handed their first defeat under head coach Eric Tinkler, losing 2-1 to local rivals AmaZulu in a Betway Premiership KwaZulu-Natal derby at Chatsworth Stadium on Tuesday evening. The result leaves the club 10th in the Premier Soccer League with seven points from seven matches.
AmaZulu took control early, with Mlondi Mbanjwa scoring in the seventh minute. The visitors doubled their lead just before half-time through Athini Maqokolo's goal in the first minute of added time. Durban City goalkeeper Frederick Asare was beaten twice as his side went into the break 2-0 down.
Tinkler made a double substitution midway through the second half, and the change brought a response. Substitute Haashim Domingo pulled a goal back for the Citizens in the 72nd minute, setting up a tense finale. Durban City pressed for an equaliser in the closing 15 minutes, creating chances from free-kicks, but could not find a second goal against AmaZulu keeper Olwethu Mzimela.
The defeat halts the modest momentum Tinkler had begun to build, with the team's recent form now reading two wins, one draw and two losses from their last five outings. Their next challenge is a daunting trip to face league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on 1 November.
Background and full detail: vodacomsoccer.com
Head coach Eric Tinkler confirmed his side's defensive start was 'sluggish' in the 2-1 derby defeat to AmaZulu on 13 October. The loss leaves Durban City 11th in the Premier Soccer League with seven points from eight games. Tinkler's team had threatened early, with Kyle Jurgens and Samkelo Maseko creating chances, but were punished by goals from Mlondi Mbanjwa and Athini Maqokolo. Olwethu Mzimela's sharp saves for AmaZulu denied Ethan Brooks and Jean Lubumba before Haashim Domingo's late reply.
