DELAYED PREPS FOR EPIC FORCES DERBY

MANZINI – Young Buffaloes narrowly edged Denver Sundowns 2-1 in the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup to set a date with rivals Green Mamba.

This transpired in a lukewarm clash played before over 1 000 fans at Mavuso Sports Centre, last night. It was former national team Sihlangu attacker Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze, who broke the deadlock just four minutes into the game. He rose highest to meet a gift-wrapped cross from the left flank to beat Ikappa Kappa goalkeeper Phila Mamba between the sticks. The army side, under returning former national team gaffer, Dominic Kunene, nearly extended the lead two minutes later when Machawe Gamedze’s free-header narrowly missed the target with Mamba at sea.

Amathole’zinyathi were back again in search of another goal, but Saviola ballooned the ball over the bar after receiving a pass from Fanelo ‘Order’ Mamba inside the box.  The sides went to the breather with the army side enjoying the slender 1-0 lead.The second half saw Buffaloes continuing where they left off in the first 45 minutes, and their persistence paid off, as they were awarded a set piece outside the danger area.

It was the lanky Siboniso ‘Gaxa’ Ngwenya, who stood up and pulled the trigger, which gave Mamba no chance between the sticks, 10 minutes into this stanza. The MTN National First Division (NFD)-bound side tried to pull a few strings in search of a consolation goal. It eventually came seven minutes after the hour-mark, when skipper Jimoh Moses benefitted from a rebound to beat Buffaloes goal-custodian Mlungisi Nxumalo, who watched the ball kissing the back of the net.

Champions

The win for the 2023 PLE Trade Fair third-placed Buffaloes gave them a ticket to face defending champions Green Mamba in the last 8 of the E2 million 8Bet-sponsored tournament. Holders Green Mamba, on the other hand, survived a scare from their opponents. A lone Njabulo ‘D4D’ Ndlovu 22nd minute strike proved to be the difference for the green and white ensemble. The quarter-final match-up with Buffaloes is a repeat of the March 10, 2024, explosive Ingwenyama Cup semi-final showdown which ended 3-2 in favour of Green Mamba.

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