’DOWNS END CASTLE CUP JINX, THROUGH TO SEMIS

(At Somhlolo National Stadium)

Buffaloes................................(0)0
Sundowns..............................(0)0
(Sundowns won 4-3 after penalties)

LOBAMBA – After absorbing pressure for a good 120 minutes, Manzini Sundowns emerged victors of the first match in the 2015 edition of the exhilarating Castle Lager Premier Challenge to book a place in the last four.
They beat an impressive Young Buffaloes 4-3 after penalty shootouts on Friday night at the Somhlolo National Stadium.

The match had finished goalless in both referee Simanga Nhleko’s 90 minutes regulation and extra-time.
The game had started 47 minutes later than the scheduled 6.30pm kick-off due to electricity failure in Lobamba. Lanky striker Delisa Hongwane took the decisive penalty to send Buffaloes goalkeeper Nhlanhla Gwebu the wrong direction to win it for Sundowns. 

The inexperienced Sundowns back four marshalled by their captain Phumlani Dlamini and goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela had little rest - frequently called to the fore to thwart waves of Buffaloes attacks.
Phiwa Dlamini, who was handed the captain’s armband by coach Zenzele ‘Ace’ Dlamini, beat goalkeeper Sandanezwe on a high ball perfectly lofted by Siboniso Mamba but his header missed the near post by inches.

Youthful striker Sanele ‘Take Away’ Ngcamphalala, who started his second consecutive game for the army side had the best chance of the night when he found himself with Sandanezwe at his mercy but the team’s development star rushed his attempt, toe-poking wide of the right upright. 

Sundowns’ only chance in the match came in the 48th minute but Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule’s deflected shot was swallowed by Nhlanhla.
Buffaloes piled the pressure but the Sundowns rearguard held on for a draw to win it in penalties.

It needed the third edition of the Castle Premier Challenge for Sundowns to go beyond this stage. 

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