HISTORIC ‘BUFFALOES’ CAF JOURNEY ENDS

MANZINI - Despite a 0-6 setback, Young Buffaloes Ladies have bowed out of the CAF Champions League qualifiers with pride.

University of Western Cape (UWC) from South Africa (SA) proved too strong for the Eswatini envoys in the semi-finals of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) inter-club competitions clash in Blantyre, Malawi, yesterday.  After reaching the semi-finals for the first time in history, Amathole Ezinyathi Ladies got more than what they had bargained for against the illustrious opponents. It was UWC midfielder Nondumiso Mangenela who set the tone for a good outing for the South Africans who drew first blood through a penalty after Buffaloes keeper Gcinile Dlamini’s foul just nine minutes into the game. Bongeka Gamede headed into the top far pocket of the net to double the advantage in the 26th minute.

Replaced

Head Coach Fisiwe Hlophe attempted to put out the fire, as she replaced Sisanda Ndzinisa with Temalangeni Dlamini in the half-hour mark. She was forced to replace defender Nothando Dlamini with Noxolo Malinga due to an injury in the 36th minute. UWC goalkeeper Siphesihle Dlamini remained untroubled, with her side leading 2-0 when Zimbabwean referee Chipo Mercy signalled for a breather. On resumption of play, UWC were still in an uncompromising mood, with substitute Thinasonke Mbuli dragged Mangenela off the pitch to pave way for Ntombifikile Ndlovu, who fired the third goal.

A Tenanile Ngcamphalala free-kick could have pulled one back for Buffaloes, but UWC shot-stopper Dlamini was quick to grab the ball inches from the goal mouth in the 58th  minute.
Against the run of play, UWC’s substitute Ndlovu capitalised, rolling the ball across the goalline after Buffaloes goalkeeper Dlamini dropped a harmless-looking shot at the foot of the near post just after the hour mark. Tiffany Kortjie pulled the trigger with all her might for a right-footed finish, which found space between the big keeper and the post, beating her own speed and surgical precision in the 74th minute.

UWC’s Koketso Mamabolo added to the tally, as she made the most of shambolic goalkeeping to finish the ball into the net 12 minutes from time. UWC were not done yet, as Sibulele Holweni completed the rout from the penalty spot after a foul in the penalty box to set up a pulsating decider against Botswana’s Gaborone United. For Buffaloes, they will return home with renewed vigour, after a spirited display in the group stages.

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