‘BUFFS’ INTO SEMIS

G. Mamba....................................... (0)1
Musa 73rd
Y. Buffaloes.................................... (0)2
Wandile 80th,   Sandile 92nd

LOBAMBA – After being nearly punished for wasting a host of chances at goal, midfielder Sandile Gamedze was the difference for Young Buffaloes in the forces derby clash against Green Mamba yesterday.
The two sides met in the Ingwenyama Cup quarters at a packed Somhlolo National Stadium in what was a pulsating derby.

Gamedze came off the bench mid way through the second half to hand his team the winner in just the second minute of extra time. The score was level at 1-1 after regular time.
Green Mamba had taken the lead, much against the run of play in the 73rd through striker Musa Dlamini who scored into the near post, beating keeper Nhlanhla Gwebu from just outside the six-yard box.

However, Buffaloes levelled matters seven minutes later with a stupendous goal by left back Wandile Maseko. His intended cross on the left wing turned into a goal as the ball sailed into the top far corner, stunning not only the keeper Colani Mngometulu, who probably thought it was going out given it was an in-swinger, but other players as well.

That goal took the game to extra time where Gamedze won it for Buffaloes.
He rose unmarked inside the six-yard box to meet a Wandile Maseko corner which he headed home with ease, much to the amusement of his teammates and fans.
Green Mamba had their moments but Nhlanhla Gwebu was unyielding as he denied substitute Muhle Shiba three times with brilliant saves in both the second half of normal time and in extra time.

It was a derby not without tension as at some point in the extra time, just before they went for the breather, both sets of players manhandled the other while keeper Nhlanhla Gwebu was receiving treatment ahead of a Green Mamba corner kick.
Sparking it all was a Green Mamba player who appeared to take something out of the Buffaloes goal.
Other than that, it was an enjoyable game that could have gone either side had both teams been composed in front of goal.

It had also started in an explosive tempo with both sides asking questions but it was Buffaloes that threatened more and could have easily gone to the break leading by at least 2-1. The suspense for goals was ever present throughout. However, wayward shooting and lack of composure in front of goal was their major letdown.

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