BRAVE ‘BUFFS’ CRASH OUT

(At Athlone Stadium, courtesy
of SwaziBank)

Cape Town City…........................... (0) 1
Ralani 56th
Y. Buffaloes….............................… (0) 0

CAPE TOWN – A lone strike by Cape Town City’s Amethyst Ralani confirmed Young Buffaloes exit in the CAF Confederations Cup last night.

The army side crashed out 2-0 in aggregate after losing with a solitary goal in the first leg match played at Somhlolo National Stadium last Saturday. The Benni McCarthy-led side sailed through to the next round with the victory over the two legs with a match against Botswana’s Galaxy the most likely.

Ralani scored the important goal for the Cape Town-based side four minutes before the hour mark. He took a hard shot that had Buffaloes goalkeeper Nhlanhla Gwebu well beaten.

Buffaloes started the game on a high note but it was the hosts who made the first attempt at goal. Goalkeeper Gwebu was forced to make a brilliant save from Ralani, with only 12 minutes into the game. The first half hour belonged to the hosts as they created chances, only to miss. Buffaloes glaring scoring chance came nine minutes before the break as Sandile Gamedze’s well taken shot was saved by Cape Town City goalkeeper Shuiaib Walters.

The second half started with both sides determined to score a goal, until in the 56th minutes when Ralani caught Buffaloes defenders ball-watching before dribbling inside the box to slot home and end Buffaloes chances of a memorable outing in Cape Town.

Coach Dominic Kunene, who welcomed back centre back Siboniso ‘Sithobela’ Mamba from injury rested Ndoda Mthethwa, who seemed to be still struggling with an injury, replacing him with Banele Mkhabela.

Sensing danger, his opposite number at Cape Town City Benni McCarthy made a double substitution, replacing Ralani and first leg scorer Nana Akasah Bempah for Phila Nodada and Judas Moseamedi.

Buffaloes could have been punished with five minutes to go when Wandile Maseko lost sight of Judas, only for the forward to miss, with Gwebu only to beat.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: