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GEORGE FOOTBALL NEWS - The Lawaaikamp Giants, Black Cats FC, successfully defended their status as Easter Tournament champions after sinking Eastern City FC (Thembalethu) 1-0 in the final at the Lawaaikamp Stadium on Monday 5 April.
The only goal of the game was scored by Siphamandla "Malobolobo" Hlangabeza for Black Cats FC. In the first semi-final, Eastern City FC defeated Vista FC 1-0, while in the second semi-final Black Cats made a killing against Young Killers FC, winning the game with 10-0.
The stadium was alive with the excitement of the supporters.
The final started at a fast tempo with both sides playing the ball on the ground looking for loopholes. Black Cats striker Zovuyo Maduna missed the first chance of the game when his shot went over the bar.
Eastern City retaliated with a strong attack on the left side of the field with Luzuko Sabelesiva missing his chance when his strike was blocked by Aphelo Skiet, the Black Cats goalkeeper.
Both teams were playing enterprising football. Eastern City was using the speed of Odwa Daba and Luzuko Sabelesiva to unlock Black Cats' back line, while Black Cats was playing combination passes with Tsepo Mbenyane fending off dangerous balls from the Eastern City midfield.
Photo gallery: Lawaaikamp Stadium pumping with football match excitement
Siphamandla Baliti (Eastern City) tried his luck just outside the box but his shot went over the cross bar. Black Cats made several attempts at goal but had no luck. A corner kick was saved by Eastern City goalkeeper Anoxolo Mbaxa. Siphamandla "Malobolobo" Hlangabeza delivered a marvellous cross from the right side of the field but Melisizwe Mbomvana missed the target. Mbomvana had another chance after breaking through Eastern City defenders, but his shot went wide.
The exciting first half ended on a goalless draw.
The second half started on fire with both teams trying to get the elusive first goal of the game. Black Cats were employing the speed of Shane-Lee Windvogel and Zovuyo Maduna to penetrate Eastern City's back line. Mbomvana drove a dangerous strike on the left side of the field, but Eastern City goalkeeper Anoxolo Mbaxa denied him his first goal with a brilliant save.
Thozamile Senzele (Eastern City) sent a long-range shot, which was blocked by the bar.
Hlangabeza (Black Cats) surprised everyone when he beat Eastern City's goalkeeper with a world-class goal on a tight angle, scoring the first goal of the game. Mzwanele Jwaqa (Black Cats) delivered a long-range shot but it went wide. Eastern City failed to equalise in the dying moments of the game when a Black Cats defender cleared the ball off the goal line, leaving the final score on 1-0 for Black Cats.
Black Cats FC walked away with the Easter Festival first prize. At the back, from left, are Viwe Mawindi, Zovuyo Maduna, Waydelio Links, Mzwanele Jwaqa, Shane-Lee Windvogel and Sange Kolose. Front: Melisizwe Mbomvana, Mivuyo Ngubo, Aphelo Skiet, Siphamandla Hlangabeza and Tsepo Mbenyana.
Last 8: Quarter-finals
- Eastern City 2-1 Young Blues
- Black Cats 1-0 Simunye
- Raul Stars 2(4)-2(5) Vista
- Parks United 1-2 Young Killers
- Last 4: Semi-finals
- Eastern City 1-0 Vista
- Black Cats 10-0 Young Killers
- Last 2: Grand finale
- Black Cats 1-0 Eastern City
Eastern City players, the second-prize winners. They are, back from left: Landile Magwa, Odwa Daba, Sithole Wongama, Luzuko Sabelesiva, Thozamile Senzele and Siphamandla Baliti. Front: Siyolise Nadophu, Lwazi Mkhetho, Anoxolo Mbaxa, Thembelani Dumekude and Nyameko Gcuwa.
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