Moneni Pirates (0) 1
Senanelo 90+3
Young Buffaloes (0) 0
SOCCER – Moneni Pirates left it late to deny Young Buffaloes top spot in the MTN Premier League with a dramatic stoppage-time winner at the Mavuso Sports Centre yesterday.
Talisman Senanelo Nkambule proved the difference, striking deep into referee’s time to snatch all three points and break the hearts of the army side’s supporters.
The hosts made just one change to the team that featured in their previous outing, with Bernard Ayikwei coming into the starting XI in place of Qiniso Nyawo.
Young Buffaloes arrived determined to claim maximum points that would have taken them to the summit of the standings. They began the match on the front foot, dominating possession and forcing the black-and-white clad Pirates to defend deep.
Goalkeeper Ayikwei was soon called into action, producing fine saves to deny Owa Matsebula, while Siphosethu Mabilisa headed wide inside the opening 25 minutes.
Pirates nearly broke the deadlock moments later but their effort was cleared off the line by a scrambling Buffaloes defence. As half-time approached, Richard Ofosu squandered a good opportunity after receiving the ball inside the box but failed to guide his effort goalwards.
The sides went into the break locked at 0-0.
After the restart, Buffaloes defender Machawe Gamedze tested Ayikwei with a long-range strike but the shot-stopper was alert. The visitors continued to press, frequently overloading the left flank where Matsebula posed a constant threat.
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Goalkeeper Nyawo, who came on for Ayikwei, also had to be sharp, parrying away a dangerous cross late on. Despite their pressure, clear chances remained scarce and the match looked destined to end goalless.
However, just when a draw seemed inevitable, Pirates struck.
Nkambule rose to meet Nkosinathi ‘Stina’ Shongwe’s free-kick and calmly slotted home in stoppage time to seal a dramatic victory for the hosts.
The goal sparked scenes of jubilation in the Pirates’ stand as their fans sang and danced in celebration, knowing the three points were safely secured.
The defeat leaves Dominic Kunene’s Buffaloes second on 32 points, while Nsingizini Hotspurs remain at the top of the table with 35 points.
