10-MAN LEOPARD HALT ‘BUFFS’ WINNING RUN

(At Somhlolo National Stadium)
Royal Leopard............. (0)0
Young Buffaloes.......... (0)0
LOBAMBA- Royal Leopard goalkeeper Ncamiso ‘Mbhonyo’ Dlamini was the hero after making numerous saves to deny Young Buffaloes maximum points yesterday.

The army side failed to annex full points even when the police ensemble went a player down 40 minutes into the game. Sifiso ‘Sushi’ Nkambule was given marching orders after a crude tackle on Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze.
The 7th draw, after 11 league meetings, was a blow for both teams as any win by either side would have seen them topple leaders Mbabane Swallows. The latter has 20 points and are currently leading with a point after the forces derby ended in goal-less draw. The forces are on 19 points apiece with Buffaloes on the second spot as they boast a better goal difference than Leopard.

A good move between Phiwa Dlamini and Sandile’Saviola’ Gamedze almost yielded the first goal for Buffaloes in 25 minutes but Leopard cleared their lines before ‘Saviola’ could reach for the deadly pass by Phiwa. Nhlanhla Gwebu came off his line just in time before Bonginkhosi ‘Manyovu’ Dlamini could intercept and tap it in just 28 minutes.

Phiwa could have broken the deadlock 31 minutes into the game but his first touch was a major let-down when tapping-in on first touch could have been sufficient
Sifiso Nkambule rough-tackled Saviola and referee Thembinkhosi Dlamini cautioned the former. After consultation with linesman Phinda Ndzimandze, the referee gave Nkambule a red card much to the chagrin of the home fans just five minutes before half time. ‘Order’ was close to making it 1-0 but his powerful shot 40 yards away was parried away for fruitless corner just two minutes into the second half.

saved

An hour into the game national team player Lindo Mkhonta’s volley from the edge of the box was saved by Leopard shot-stopper. Phiwa could not believe it when his well-taken free-kick hit the woodwork 62 minutes into the game.
Sanele Ngcamphalala had to come in for tired Phiwa in the 75 minutes. Leopard’s Sifiso Matse could have done better with 14 minutes to spare but hurled his shot out wide. Leopard’s Lungelo Tsabedze had to rest ‘Manyovu’ who seemed to have ran out of steam in this half. Mbhonyo was forced to another save with 10 minutes to go after a Lindo Mkhonta volley from right flank.

A resultant corner shaved the crossbar from a Siboniso Mamba glancing header.
Substitute Mpendulo Dlamini’s volley from outside the box was parried away by the ever alert ‘Mbhonyo’ across the poles with five minutes from time. Leopard could have stolen the show with referee three added time but Matse failed to capitalise on Buffaloes goalkeeper Nhlanhla Gwebu who was way out of his line, instead Matse passed Lungelo and the chance went begging.

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