Times Of Swaziland: GR. MAMBA, BUFFS SCRAPE THROUGH GR. MAMBA, BUFFS SCRAPE THROUGH ================================================================================ Mengameli Mabuza on 19/01/2025 06:47:00 MANZINI – Security forces duo Young Buffaloes and Green Mamba, emerged victorious from their respective Ingwenyama Cup fixtures yesterday afternoon. Taking the field in front of a boisterous crowd of 300 spectators, last season’s Ingwenyama Cup semi-finalists Young Buffaloes, commanded the pitch in a thrilling encounter against Nsenga Comrades, who had battled their way into the tournament’s Last 32 stage. The match, which ended in a goalless draw in the first-half, saw the second half starting with a bang as Young Buffaloes striker Bongwa Matsebula rose above the Nsenga defence to power home a thunderous header, capitalising on a sublime cross from Fanelo Mamba, who tormented the Nsenga backline with his skilful dribbling and pinpoint passing. As the game progressed and Buffaloes maintained their stranglehold over the proceedings, the second goal of the game finally arrived in the 68th minute. With precision and panache, midfielder Mpendulo Dlamini unleashed a venomous left-footed strike from inside the box, beating the Nsenga goalkeeper Nhlakanipho Msibi. Once again, the catalyst for this scintillating goal was the irrepressible Fanelo Mamba, whose impeccable vision and pinpoint passing unlocked the Nsenga defence, leaving them chasing shadows as the ball nestled into the back of the net. The second game at the venue was set for a thrilling encounter as reigning champions Green Mamba squared-off against spirited challengers Masundvwini Royal Swallows in the second game of the double-header. Despite the gulf in league competitions, with Green Mamba hailing from the MTN Premier League and Royal Swallows plying their trade in the National First Division, both sides put on a dazzling display of skill and tenacity on the pitch, leaving the spectators breathless. The game hung in the balance, with neither team willing to yield ground or relinquish their grip on the contest. The start of the second half proved to be the same, with Royal Swallows being defied at the back. In the 65th minute of the game, disaster struck for Bongani Dlamini of Swallows as he inadvertently cleared the ball from his box, causing him to become disoriented and hallucinate on the pitch. As his teammates and the crowd watched on in horror, the quick-witted Green Mamba pounced; securing a decisive 1-0 lead over the reeling Swallows through the relentless Njabulo ‘D4D’ Ndlovu, who scored through a tap-in in the 71st minute of the game. That goal proved to be the difference as the defending champions marched through. Elsewhere, Super League outfit Nkwene Sundowns sent elite league side Sidwashini United packing, beating them 6-2 at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium. MTN National First Division (NFD) side Red Rhinos did the same to Nsingizini Hotspurs with a 2-1 scoreline, in a game which was played KaLanga Technical Centre.