(At Mkhuzweni Technical Centre)
Kappa Kappa …………. (0)1
Muzi 87th
Emajukujuku …………. (0)1
Lukhetfo 81st
(Kappa won 6-3 after penalties)
BUHLENI – In a thrilling and controversy-laden encounter at the Mkhuzweni Technical Centre, Kappa Kappa emerged victorious in the Hhohho Regional Ingwenyama Cup final.
The former National First Division side dethroned defending champions Emajukujuku 6-3 after penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time.
The win not only secures Kappa Kappa’s place as regional representatives but also earns them the coveted E2 000 bonus, courtesy of Sicelo ‘Khungankhosi’ Dlamini, who is the Mayiwane Member of Parliament (MP). Regional play-offs winners get E6 000 on top of a ticket to the main tournament featuring Premier League and National First Division team.
Kappa Kappa’s shot-stopper, Mfanufikile Gumedze also earned himself E500 from the MP after a brilliant performance in between the posts.
He produced a masterclass of a save, which saw them dethrone the defending champions.
The build-up to the match was marred by extraordinary drama, with allegations surfacing that a foreign substance had been poured at the entrance to the tunnels leading to the pitch.
Tensions boiled over when Kappa Kappa’s players refused to use their designated pathway to enter the field, sparking a skirmish that delayed kick-off by 16 minutes.
Order was eventually restored, and the game commenced at 2:16pm, with Kappa Kappa taking the initiative to start proceedings in their bid to topple the holders.
The first half unfolded as a tense, cagey affair. Emajukujuku, eager to assert their dominance, registered the opening shot on target in the 11th minute through Mpendulo Makhanya, whose effort tested the Kappa Kappa goalkeeper.
The defending champions continued to probe, carving out several clear-cut opportunities, but repeatedly faltering in the final third due to imprecise finishing.
As the half-hour mark approached, the game remained goalless, with neither side able to break the deadlock.
Two minutes of added time were signalled, during which Kappa Kappa mustered their only precise attempt of the period, but it came to naught. At the interval, the scoreboard read 0-0, reflecting a half dominated by Emajukujuku’s possession but lacking in ruthlessness.
The opening 20 minutes of the second half were characterised by a succession of fouls and fragmented play, with little genuine threat at either end.
*Full article available in our publication
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