BUFFALOES BEAT HIGHLANDERS, INTO SWAZIBANK CUP FINAL

LOBAMBA – Army side Young Buffaloes has qualified for their first SwaziBank Cup final after booting out a resisting First Division side, Mbabane Highlanders after penalties yesterday.

Highlanders, who had enjoyed a somewhat fairytale run leading to the game by becoming the only First Division side to reach the semi-finals put up a brave fight. They were, however, lucky to drag the game into the penalty shoot-out, as Buffaloes could have wrapped it up in regulation time or at least in extra time. The army side was, however, guilty of missing some clear cut scoring opportunities through their usually dependable Nhlanhla ‘Mshengu’ Kunene. The opening half had nothing much to write home about as both teams applied a cautious approach to the game.

It was only a minute after the break when Highlanders netted the ice breaker. Sam Katala converted from the spot kick after referee Thulani Sibandze pointed to the penalty spot. This is despite the fact that the Buffaloes defender, Siboniso Mamba, reached the ball first when tackling Highlanders’ Mpucuko Dlamini. The referee gave the Mbabane giants the lead by sending the Buffaloes goalkeeper Sicelo Mkhwanazi the wrong way.

However, a Buffaloes goal was always imminent. Nhlanhla ‘Mshengu’ Kunene levelled with a half volley inside the box just after the hour mark. Three minutes later, Ndoda Mthethwa weaved his magic on the left flank and his intended cross was deflected into the net by Highlanders Kerin Bantar.

Highlanders evened matted with about 13 minutes from time much against the run of play through Mancoba Ndwandwe.
Extra time failed to produce any goals and referee Thulani Sibandze ordered the teams to decide the tie in the shoot-outs.
Only Mbaya Katala scored for Highlanders with the Buffaloes goalkeeper Sicelo Mkhwanazi saving from the boots of Mancoba Ndwandwe and Lungelo Tsabedze.

Buffaloes netted their penalties through Sifiso Maseko, Siboniso Mamba, Timothy Mathonsi and Sibusiso Lukhele.
Man of the Match: Sicelo Mkhwanazi (Young Buffaloes) He was given E2 000 after excelling during the shoot-outs.  

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