GR. MAMBA SEND ‘BULL’ CRASHING

(At Somhlolo National Stadium)

Green Mamba....................(0)1)2
Sanele Chauke 90th, Civil Matsebula 114th
Highlanders........................(0)1)2
Sibusiso Tfwala 77th, Chocco Sibandze 107th
Mamba won 9-8 after penalties

LOBAMBA – Like a cat with nine lives, Green Mamba just refused to die when Mbabane Highlanders thought they had done enough to eliminate them in the Castle Premier Challenge quarter finals yesterday. It was not once, but thrice in the game where Highlanders appeared to have taken advantage of the 10-man Correctional Services side in a drama-filled Castle Lager Premier Challenge match.

The Correctional Services side twice in open game, came from behind to force the game into the dreaded shoot-outs with 10 men after Mcebo Mdluli was sent for an early shower by referee Thulani Sibandze seven minutes into extra time for a second bookable offence.
The game had finished 1-all after 90 minutes with Green Mamba defender Sanele Chauke rising the highest to nod home a Phumlani Ngwenya free kick at the stroke of full time after Sibusiso Tfwala had come off the bench to break the ice in the 77th minute.

Referee Thulani awarded Highlanders a penalty after Fanelo was hacked from behind by Phumlani and captain Xolani ‘Chocco’ Sibandze, who had a quiet game by his standards, converted from the spot in the 107th minute.
Two minutes later, Thulani awarded another penalty, this time to Green Mamba after Banele ‘Banny’ Mdluli was fouled inside the big box but goalkeeper Sidumo Vilakati saved Muzi ‘Mzo’ Dlamini’s attempt from 12-yards out to send the Highlanders stand into wild jubilation.

The joy was short-lived, however, as Civil Matsebula levelled in the 114th minute to mark a dream comeback for Dumisani ‘DU’ Kunene’s charges with six minutes remaining. It meant the game had to be decided on penalties and eight spot kicks apiece were taken to finally decide Highlanders fate. After missing one during open play, ‘Mzo’ converted Green mamba’s eighth penalty while Fanelo Tsabedze’s take was swallowed by Mpendulo ‘Scoco’ Dlamini at the Green Mamba poles.
It all but summed up Highlanders’ fate while Green Mamba’s ambitions of defending the tournament continue.     

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