Malanti fail to prove their chiefdom' over Buffaloes

(Trade Fair)

MANZINI- Young Buffaloes captain Zwelithini Msibi led by example when he rescued a point for his side in yesterday’s MTN Premier League match against Malanti Chiefs.

Msibi’s goal was scored seconds into the second-half after trailing 1-0 for the entire first half following a 25th minute wonder strike by Malanti’s Nhlanhla Kunene. The lackluster match was nothing to write home about besides the goals, especially Kunene’s long range shot.

Buffaloes striker Jabulani ‘Nandos’ Dlamini was the only fortunate player to get goal scoring chances, but on the afternoon he was neither hot nor mild. Leading 1-0 Malanti’s usual suspects Vusumuzi Madinane, Phumlani Mkhize and Sabelo Hlatjwako tried to unlock the Buffaloes defence in search of a second goal. However, their efforts were to no avail.

In the 32nd minute, Buffaloes were unfortunate not to level matters when Nandos squandered a goal scoring opportunity. Ten minutes later, Malanti’s attempt to increase the lead was hindered when Buffaloes’ Vusi Soko handled the ball a few metres into the danger box. The resultant free-kick taken by Hlatjwako went inches over the cross bar with Nhlanhla Gwebu equal to the task.

Besides the early goal scored very early into the second half, the better part of the final half was a carbon copy of the first. The only realistic scoring chance fell to Mkhize in the 72nd minute after great inter-passes with Madinane, but the South African failed to do the final finish-up.

Buffaloes strikers Salebona Jele and the inexperienced Nkosing-iphile Dlamini also had their own fair of chances, but Sitali Mulife was there to deny them any other goal. In the 76th minute Buffaloes’ Sabelo Mnisi’s header narrowly missed the target.

Buffaloes’ bid to win the game late in the half saw them replacing Salebona Jele in favour of Sdumo Dlamini. The substitution almost proved to be a dividend for the coach as Dlamini found the back of the net, but his goal was ruled off side. Seeing that Buffaloes were having the better of the ball, Malanti played defensive until the final whistle.

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