Burning Fire's flame lacks some oomph

FOOTBALL NEWS - Thembalethu-based side Paris United FC defeated Burning Fire FC with a humiliating score of 4-0 during the Safa Eden Regional Men's League game on Saturday afternoon, 29 January at the Lawaaikamp Stadium.

Wanda Tokwe, Anathi Mtshazi, Anele Pungwana and Alizwa Sakhi (penalty) scored for Paris United and all four goals were scored during the second half of the game.

After playing fifteen games so far, Burning Fire are sitting in the bottom half of the Safa Eden log table at number thirteen with ten points. Paris United are battling their way up to the top-eight position with seventeen points.

Paris United started well, building their passes from their backline and looking good on the ball. Burning Fire received the first chance of the game on the right side of the field but Siphenkosi "Klate" Kanamfana's shot went straight to goalkeeper Siyanda Kale. Paris United retaliated with an attack from the centre of the field using the pace of Anele "Jali" Pungwana but his ball was blocked by Sakawuli Sinovuyo.

Burning Fire left wing back Kobisi "Galala" Luvo made a marvellous run inside the box, but his solo effort went wide. Gova Olwethu of Burning Fire drove a long-range shot, but it was denied by the Paris United goalkeeper, forcing a corner kick. However, "Umlilo" (fire) failed to convert their opportunity.

Though Paris United displayed beautiful touches, creating chances to score, Wanda Tokwe wasted his scoring chance after he collected a pass from the centre of the field. In the last minutes of the first half, 17-year-old Anathi Mtshazi (Paris United) had a powerful shot, but it hit the goalpost.

The tough first 45 minutes of the game ended goalless.

The second half started fast with Burning Fire making an attack, but they failed to score. Paris launched a strong attack from the left side of the field and managed to score their first goal to make it 1-0.

Paris United gained confidence and kept up the pressure, looking for more goals. Anathi Mtshazi scored the second goal. Burning Fire tried their best to come back into the game but it was not easy.

Paris United scored the third goal. Burning Fire goalkeeper Mass Nkosikhona fouled inside the box, giving away a soft penalty, and Alizwa Sakhi scored the fourth goal for Paris United. Burning Fire failed to defend against the pace of Paris United wingers.

Safa Eden Regional League weekend results

Saturday 29 January

Burning Fire 0-4 Paris United
United Brothers 0-5 Simunye
Moonlight 2-1 Young Pirates
Oriented Birds 2-2 Red Eagles
Infantry School 4-1 Young Pirates
Eastern City 1-1 Moonlight
FC United 2-0 Knysna Celtics

Paris United players building some team spirit before their game on Saturday.

Safa Eden match officials and team captains are, from left: Yamkela Duma, Siphenkosi Kanamfana (Burning Fire captain), Siyabulela Dyonase, Mandlenkosi Prusente (Paris United captain) and Endinalo Manyangaza. Photos: Zama Gagu