(At Mayaluka Stadium)
Royal Leopard .................2
Thikithi 54th, Junior 62nd
Green Mamba ...................2
Kwanele 43rd, Gusheshe 79th
(Mamba won 4-2 on penalties)
BIG BEND – Green Mamba claimed sweet revenge yesterday as they knocked defending champions Royal Leopard out of the Ingwenyama Cup on penalties.
The victory not only sees the Correctional Services side progress to the next round, but also guarantees them a E75 000 package from the E1.45 million tournament purse. Meanwhile, former champions Leopard exit the competition early, taking home only a E10 000 participation fee as consolation.
The two giants faced off in a thrilling encounter under the sweltering skies of Mayaluka Stadium. The rivalry was renewed even before kick-off, with reports of a physical exchange in front of the dressing rooms after Green Mamba officials spotted an individual associated with Leopard allegedly engaging in unpalatable activities.
On the pitch, Green Mamba took the lead two minutes before the break. Kwanele Shongwe turned in a cross from Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze, marking the first time Leopard had conceded a goal in six matches in this competition. The Bongani Mhlongo-led side held a 1-0 advantage at half-time.
Leopard hit back shortly after the restart through attacking midfielder and reigning Ingwenyama Cup Player of the Tournament Thokozani ‘Thikithi’ Dlamini, who finished off a rebound to level matters. The Edwin Matsebula’s men then turned the game on its head in the 62nd minute when substitute Junior ‘Shisa Gesi’ Magagula scored at close range after defender Neliswa Nkambule failed to clear.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
Green Mamba’s, Siyabonga ‘Gusheshe’ Zwane floored as he tries dribble his way past Royal Leopard, Thokozani ‘Thikithi’ Dlamini and Kelvin Kunene during their Ingwenyama Cup Last 16 round played at Mayaluka Stadium. Green Mamba advanced 6-4 after penalty shoot-out. (Pic: Nimrod Hlophe)