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BUFFALOES DENY LEOPARD, MAMBA GO TOP

By Nomalungelo Phiri | 2024-11-24

Young Buffaloes ……….... (1)1)
Royal Leopard...................... (0)1
Soccer - Royal Leopard missed a golden opportunity to climb to the summit of the MTN Premier League log table after playing to a hard-fought 1-all draw against Young Buffaloes at Ka Langa Stadium yesterday.

Leopard salvaged a point late in the game through a 82nd-minute equaliser by Junior Magagula, after trailing for most of the match. Young Buffaloes had taken the lead as early as the 20th minute when Sifiso Mazibuko capitalised on a mistake by Leopard goalkeeper Mlamuli Makhanya, calmly slotting in with a soft touch inside the box.

Buffaloes were the more dangerous side in the first half, displaying a fluid attack that kept Leopard's defence on their toes. Sandile 'Saviola' Gamedze nearly doubled Buffaloes' lead in the 30th minute, narrowly missing Mazibuko's well-timed cross.

Despite their dominance, Buffaloes struggled to convert possession into clear-cut chances as the first half wound down.

Leopard, on the other hand, had three notable chances but failed to capitalise, leaving the scoreline unchanged at halftime.

Leopard made an early tactical change during the break, bringing on Muzi 'Mzoro' Dlamini for Fanelo Tsabedze to regain midfield control.

While the second half began sluggishly, Leopard gradually grew into the game, mounting pressure on the Buffaloes defense.

A crucial moment came in the 60th minute when Leopard forced a defensive error from Buffaloes during a goal-kick, but they failed to capitalise on the ensuing opportunity. Buffaloes responded with several dangerous corner kicks, keeping Makhanya under constant pressure.

Leopard’s persistence finally paid off in the 82nd minute. Junior Magagula found the back of the net from the right flank to secure the equaliser, moments after a controversial disallowed goal left the visitors frustrated.

The late goal reignited the intensity of the match, with both sides pushing hard for a winner. However, time ran out as referee Wandile Mamba’s final whistle ended the evenly-contested affair.

The draw means Royal Leopard remains just short of the top spot, while Buffaloes continue to demonstrate their resilience in high-stake encounters. Leopard’s inability to convert chances into goals will be a concern as the league race heats up.

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