MANZINI – Nsingizini Hotspurs secured their spot in the Ingwenyama Cup final after defeating Young Buffaloes 5-4 in a dramatic penalty shootout at Mavuso Sports Centre.
The high-stakes semi-final ended in a 1-1 stalemate after extra time, forcing the spot-kicks. Hotspurs maintained their composure to clinch the victory and will now face Green Mamba in the tournament’s centerpiece match.
Nsingizini head coach Mandla Qhogi praised his team’s resilience after a slow start.
“I think we came to the first half not having our normal start because we couldn’t have a proper warm-up,” Qhogi said. “But in the second half, you could see that we dominated the game. We managed to find spaces to play, and using the dodge play gave us a goal.”
Hotspurs’ path to the final was set earlier in the day when Green Mamba survived a scare from Manzini Sea Birds. Green Mamba took an early lead through a Sabelo “Skhali” Ndzinisa penalty, but Sea Birds equalized in the 73rd minute through Muzi. After a scoreless extra-time period, Green Mamba eventually advanced to set up the final clash against Nsingizini.
Despite the loss, Young Buffaloes coach Dominic Kunene expressed pride in his squad’s performance, noting that they failed to capitalize on early opportunities.
“In the first half we were supposed to score a lot of goals,” Kunene said. “We played well and created chances, but in football, if you don’t take them, it’s not common to win. There is growth, and my team is growing. Even if you lose, this is good.”
The final marks a significant milestone for Nsingizini Hotspurs, reaching the final for the first time this season. However, Coach Qhogi noted that his immediate focus remains on league play, as they are scheduled to face the same opponent again shortly.
“At the moment, we’re not looking at Green Mamba,” Qhogi added. “We are focusing on the next game. We have to change and rest some players because we know what is at stake. We are leading, they are chasing us.”
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