BUFFALOES JUMP TO TOP

Y. Buffaloes...........................(0) 3
Sandile 47th, Banele 66th, Ndoda 78th,
Malanti Chiefs......................(0) 0

LOBAMBA – Second half substitutes Banele Mkhabela and striker Ndoda Mthethwa combined to hand Young Buffaloes a win over an unlucky Malanti Chiefs in yesterday’s MTN Premier League clash.
The match was played at Somhlolo National Stadium. Mkhabela made a difference in the 66th when he finished from close range Mthethwa’s searching cross from the right wing.

He relieved Buffaloes from a resilient Malanti as the second goal was a must. Midfielder Sandile Gamedze had scored from a half chance with his effort helped by a deflection.
Just as Malanti looked to regroup, they were caught with another stunner by Ndoda Mthethwa, who nodded front six yards a corner kick delivery by Mkhabela in the 78th. Perhaps it was lapse of concentration and physical strength that cost Malanti, as they let Buffaloes back into it and finished the last 15 minutes on the back foot. They certainly deserved something out of this one after having Buffaloes on their toes for prolonged periods but without a goal.
Buffaloes are now level again with Mbabane Swallows on 44 points at the summit but ahead on better goal difference. Swallows host Royal Leopard this afternoon at Somhlolo National Stadium.

Malanti nearly got a penalty towards the hour mark but were given a free kick at the edge of the box which they wasted. They hit the Buffaloes wall and were lucky not to concede from the resultant Buffaloes counter, with Linda Mkhonta shooting well wide with the goal beckoning in front of him. The game itself was intense with Malanti not giving Buffaloes any room to manoeuvre, as they did in the first round when the army side won 5-1. They played a different Malanti Chiefs, who missed their top striker Charles Molopo.

Malanti even looked the better side often times and more threatening when going forward. Otherwise it was an exciting match especially in the second half with both sides getting the chances. They all played carpet football but Malanti completed the most passes with midfielders Lindokuhle Fakudze and Solo Tekwa amazing to watch.
However, with time running out, referee Leticia Viana had no chance but to blow for full-time. Buffaloes prevailed again but it was a close call for them and a share of the spoils would be the fairest result.

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