Nail-biting entertainment in Lawaaikamp derby

FOOTBALL NEWS - The Lawaaikamp giants, Black Cats, and last season's champions, Simunye, staged an entertaining game that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats on Sunday afternoon, playing out to a 2-2- draw.

The second leg, Safa Eden Regional Men's League game was played at the Lawaaikamp Stadium.

The Cats are currently in second position on the log with 48 points and Simunye are trying to reach the top five. In the first leg, Black Cats defeated Simunye 1-0.

The game got off to a good start with Black Cats building their passes from the centre of the field. An excellent shot by Simunye's centre back, Ntandazo Snaap, was blocked. Simunye central middle fielders Sesethu Jack, Lwandiso Blekiwe and Shane Booysen moved forward with skillful combination passes.

Athenkosi Mahala of Simunye drove a long-range shot outside the box, but his shot went wide. Black Cat players Luyanda Laho and Melisizwe Mbomvana were prominent in the first half, keeping the pressure on Simunye defenders.

Their partnership resulted in more than one run with Laho lining up the shots for Mbomvana. At the third attempt, Mbomvana struck home with the opening goal of the game to make it 1-0 for Black Cats.

Simunye received a free kick near the end of the first half but did not manage to score an equalising goal.

The second half saw more nail-biting action with the two sides neck and neck throughout. After a failed attempt by Athenkosi Mahala of Simunye, Jabulani Ndlovu played the ball into the box and Yamkela Ntlaba sent it into the goal with a powerful header. With the score now 1-1, Black Cats stepped up their attack.

However, Simunye made a double substitution and the fresh legs of Sibongakonke Mntambo in the centre of the field and the speed of Yamkela Ntlaba up front changed the dynamics of the game again.

Black Cats countered by bringing the experienced Mzwanele Jwaqa and Mvuyisi Zweni on the field for more agility up front.

Simunye launched strong attacks from the right side of the field and Athenkosi Mahala scored the second goal to make it 2-1 after a pass from Jabulani Ndlovu. With the time running out, both sides were desperate to get the upper hand.

After Simunye right back Sthabiso Shabalala failed to clear the ball, Black Cats received a throw-in and Mivuyo Manzi scored the equalising goal for Black Cats with a marvellous header.

Simunye tried their best to chase the game, but it was too late for either of the teams to break through and score a winning goal.