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GREEN MAMBA SET DATE WITH ‘BUFFS’

By XOLISILE SACOLO | 2024-09-04

Green Mamba……………. (1)1

‘D4D’ 22nd

Sidwashini United……….. (0)0

SOCCER - IN a tightly-contested 8Bet Trade Fair Cup encounter at Mavuso Sports Centre, defending champions Green Mamba secured a hard-earned 1- 0 victory over Sidwashini United, thanks to a goal by Njabulo ‘D4D’ Ndlovu.

This win propels the Correctional Services side into the quarterfinals of the pre-season tournament where they will take on Young Buffaloes.

The match started with both teams showcasing attacking intent, creating a lively atmosphere in the stadium. However, it was Green Mamba, who created scoring opportunities. Sidwashini would also launch attacks, only to be let down by the final pass, they were aggressive in their attacks.

In the 26th minute, midfielder Njabulo ‘D4D’ Ndlovu broke the deadlock, firing past goalkeeper Siyabonga Zwane after receiving a pass from Mbongeni Magagula inside the box. This early goal gave Green Mamba the advantage and made it difficult for the rookies, who defended with their hands against the wall as their opponent's strong attacking play went into the halftime break. Sidwashini tried to push for an equaliser but they struggled in penetrating the stubborn Green Mamba defence wall.The match went to break with Green Mamba leading 1-0.

The second half saw Sidwashini applying pressure on the Green Mamba defence as they were in total control of the match.

In the 53rd minute, Lizwe Dlamini had a great opportunity to score an equaliser for his team, but Green Mamba's goalkeeper Siyabonga Simelane made a crucial save to protect his team’s 1-0 lead.

Sidwashini created more scoring chances but the players were not clinical infront of goal.

In the 76th minute, Njabulo Tfwalo played a thorough ball, to ‘D4D’, who found himself in a space inside the box, but he directed his effort over the bar.

In the last 12 minutes, Sidwashini United made two substitutions, taking off Nduduzo Mkhonta and Sciniseko Ndzimandze for Nkululeko Msibi and Bonkhe Khumalo. However, Green Mamba held on to their lead until the final whistle that guaranteed them a date with Young Buffaloes in the quarterfinals.

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