Eastern City thumps Thembu Royals

FOOTBALL NEWS - The Thembalethu outfit Eastern City beat the Mossel Bay side Thembu Royals 4-2 in a Regional League game on Sunday morning, 26 November at the Lawaaikamp Stadium.

Siphamandla Baliti (brace), Sinalo Sikhatheni and Nyameko Ndwebisa scored for the home team while Siwaphiwe Zaphe and Linenkosi Maqhutywa netted their goals for Thembu Royals.

The newly promoted Thembu Royals kicked off the first half with their flanks turning the screw on Eastern City while Mendo Siphelele of Thembu Royals was looking strong on the left side of the field. Thembu Royals received a free kick, but it was cleared away by the Eastern City back line.

Thembu Royals were awarded another free kick on the left side of the field, but the ball was blocked. The hard-working Siwaphiwe Zaphe of Thembu Royals scored the first goal of the game after an excellent set piece from the centre of the field to make it 1-0.

Eastern City responded with a positive move and Siphamandla Baliti netted the equalising goal to make it 1-1 after a marvellous cross played in by Nqabayethu Cimela.

Sinalo Sikhatheni of Eastern City trying to drive a powerful shot on Sunday morning. Photo: Zama Gagu

Eastern City took the game from Thembu Royals with offensive play just before the half-time whistle, but the score remained 1-1.

The second half started on fire with Eastern City playing excellent football. Siphamandla Baliti of Eastern City netted his second goal in a solo effort from the left side of the field, making it 2-1. Thembu Royals players had their hands full warding off the strong attacks from the Eastern City wingers.

Sinalo Sikhatheni scored Eastern City's third goal to make it 3-1 with a powerful header. Thembu Royals didn't lose hope but kept on pushing and they managed to break through and score their second goal to make it 3-2. Eastern City players gained more confidence during the last five minutes, playing the ball into the box, and received a set piece from the right side of the field.

Thembu Royals goalkeeper failed to handle the ball and Nyameko Ndwebisa scored the fourth goalfor Eastern City.

Qhawe Dyantyi (left) of Thembu Royals shields his opponent Lelethu Wotshinisi (right) of Eastern City. Photo: Zama Gagu