First-half strikes from Mondli Mbanjwa and Athini Maqokola put Usuthu in control before Haashim Domingo pulled one back after the break. City pushed for an equaliser but could not find a way past a resolute AmaZulu defence.

The result strengthened AmaZulu's hold on third place, with the visitors recording their sixth win in eight league matches. Durban City, meanwhile, slipped to 11th after suffering their third defeat of the campaign.

The hosts began brightly, with Kyle Jurgens shooting wide in the opening minute before Samkelo Maseko threatened down the right. However, AmaZulu took the lead in the eighth minute when Mbanjwa controlled Nkosikhona Radebe's cross before slotting past goalkeeper Fredrick Asare.

City responded through Ethan Brooks, whose long-range effort was saved by Olwethu Mzimela, while Maseko and Jean Lwamba also had opportunities to level. Asare kept the home side in contention with several important stops, including a one-on-one save to deny Mbanjwa.

The Citizens came close to equalising just before half-time when Bandile Shandu delivered a cross for Lwamba, but the striker headed over. AmaZulu immediately capitalised, with Radebe setting up Maqokola to score from close range in added time and give the visitors a two-goal cushion at the break.

Durban City continued to search for a response after the interval, with Shandu going close and Maqokola forcing another save from Asare at the other end. AmaZulu also threatened a third when defender Taariq Fielies attempted an audacious long-range effort that struck the crossbar with the goalkeeper off his line.

Tinkler introduced Letsie Koapeng and Alou Doumbia in the second half, and another change proved decisive in giving City hope. Domingo curled a free kick into the net shortly after coming on to reduce the deficit with just over 15 minutes remaining.

The hosts pressed for a late equaliser, but AmaZulu held firm. Koapeng was denied by Mzimela with a diving header in stoppage time, while Doumbia sent a volley narrowly wide as the visitors secured all three points.

Durban City will turn their attention to the CAF Confederation Cup, where they face Mauritius' AS Port Louis 2000, while AmaZulu return to league action on Saturday, 31 October, when they host KwaZulu-Natal rivals Golden Arrows.

AmaZulu hand Durban City first defeat under Tinkler