Buffs win with controversial last-minute goal

MANZINI - In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Young Buffaloes’ Nothando Dlamini dashed the hopes of Manzini Wanderers with a late, controversial goal that left spectators in awe.

This was during the Eswatini Women Football League match yesterday. The drama unfolded during Referee Thembi Mathonsi’s two minutes of stoppage time with Second Assistant Referee Thuli Mabilisa raised her flag for an offside.

However, Mathonsi, oblivious to her assistant’s signal, continued the play.

After a minute of unnoticed flag-waving, Mabilisa reluctantly lowered her flag, allowing the game to proceed uninterrupted.

Seizing the opportunity, Dlamini swiftly volleyed from the right flank, leaving Wanderers goalkeeper Nonduduzo Mhlanga helpless, as she unleashed a strike that found the back of the net, shattering Wanderers’ dreams.

The goal sparked a whirlwind of mixed emotions.

Wanderers loyalists were left seething with anger, questioning the assistant referee’s sudden change of decision.

On the other hand, Buffaloes’ players and technical bench erupted in jubilation, celebrating their late breakthrough in the game.

FRUSTRATION

The frustration was evident among the ladies from the army side, who had previously claimed a resounding 5-1 victory in the first round. They could not comprehend why securing a win this time proved to be such an arduous task.

With this hard-fought triumph, led by the indomitable Fisiwe Hlophe, Buffaloes maintained their firm grip on the top spot, amassing an impressive 36 points from 12 games.

Meanwhile, the ‘Weslians’, despite a valiant effort, remain in second place with 28 points, ruing the three

hard-earned points that slipped through their grasp.

The match showcased a fierce battle between the two sides, with both teams leaving no stone unturned. The first half lacked clear-cut chances, but the second half witnessed a surge in attacking intent.

The Weslians came tantalisingly close to breaking the deadlock around the hour mark, but a powerful strike from Lindiwe Dlamini was expertly saved by Buffaloes’ goalkeeper Gcinile Dlamini.

UNLEASHING

Responding swiftly, the visitors launched a counter-attack, with Sisanda Ndzinisa unleashing a thunderous strike from 40 yards.

Wanderers’ goalkeeper managed to parry the ball away, resulting in a fruitless corner, much to the disappointment of the Buffaloes. Ten minutes before full time, the tension reached its peak.

The decisive goal arrived when Buffaloes’ Celiwe Nkambule received a pass in an offside position, playing it back to goalscorer Nothando, who unleashed a fierce volley that sailed past the outstretched arms of the goalkeeper, sealing victory for the Buffaloes in the dying moments of the game.

Despite Wanderers’ desperate attempts to find an equaliser in the remaining two minutes, their efforts fell short, as the referee blew the final whistle, drawing a close to this captivating encounter.