Africa-Press – Eswatini. Mbabane Highlanders suffered heavy defeat in the hands of Young Buffaloes in an MTN Premier League game played at Ka Langa Stadium yesterday.
It was a morale boost for the army side that were beaten last week in the same venue by giant slayers Madlenya.
Before the kick-off, a moment of silence was observed in honour of Denver Sundowns striker Mukelo Nkambule, who passed on at the beginning of the week.
Mandla Palma and anchor-man Mpendulo Tfomo were left out of the starting XI for the home side, while physical trainer Siyabonga Bhembe watched from the stands due to suspension.
Earlier on Philani Mkhonto tested Mlungisi Nxumalo from a long range shot.
But the 2022/23 MTN Premier League best goalkeeper averted the danger.
Thereafter, the army side took the match to the home side’s half and they opened the scoresheet in the 20th minute through Bandile Shabangu’s strike.
The black and white outfit tried to find their way back but their frontrunners were left down by the final touch, especially Njabulo ‘Koko’ Gama.
changes
At the restart, the capital city giants made two changes as Mpendulo Tfomo and Musa Dlamini came in.They showed tenacity to level matters.
However, they were dealt a blow in 58 minutes when goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe Shabalala received a red card after he handled the ball outside the 18 yards box.
Things went from bad to worse as Bandile Shabangu completed his brace with a stunning shot outside the box in 69 minutes. The encounter was over as a contest three minutes later when Alie Matse scored the third goal after the opposition’s defence was caught napping.
‘DU’ Makhanya-led men never recovered from the setback as the army side continued to push forward. Alie Matse hammered the last nail in the home side’s coffin with a good finish in added time.
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