Mhawu United FC Exit Cup After Draw And Shootout Defeat

Mhawu United FC faced Combine Stars at King Sobhuza II Stadium on 20 December 2025, with kick-off at 11:00am in a tense neutral cup tie. The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, but Mhawu United FC were ultimately eliminated 5-3 in the penalty shootout. The modest crowd of 216 witnessed a fiercely contested encounter that ebbed and flowed before the drama of spot-kicks decided the outcome.

Mhawu United lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, deploying a balanced shape designed to control midfield and provide width in attack. Sandziso Dlamini guarded the goal, protected by a back four of Siyabonga Simelane at right back, Philani Mkhatshwa and Mangaliso Dlamini as central defenders, and Likhwa Msibi on the left flank. Siphelele Simelane anchored the midfield in a holding role, while Philani Sikhondze and Mthobisi Dlamini operated as right and left attacking midfielders respectively, tasked with linking play and creating chances. Up front, the trio of Bonkhe Dlamini on the right, Nkosephayo Mamba centrally as striker, and Sibotho Sithole on the left provided the attacking thrust. On the bench, Calvin Ndlangamandla, Sandziso Matse, and Banele Nhlabatsi awaited their opportunity.

The match began with intensity, but early discipline issues surfaced when Siyabonga Simelane was shown a yellow card in the 11th minute for a bad tackle, signalling a physical contest. Mhawu United’s left forward, Sibotho Sithole, also picked up a caution in the 28th minute for persistent infringements, reflecting the combative nature of the game. Despite these interruptions, the first half closed without any goals, with both sides probing but unable to break the deadlock by the 45-minute mark.

Shortly after the interval, Mhawu United made their first tactical change at 55 minutes, replacing striker Nkosephayo Mamba with Calvin Ndlangamandla in an attempt to inject fresh impetus into the attack. This substitution paid dividends 14 minutes later when Ndlangamandla provided a crucial assist for Sibotho Sithole, who capitalised on a goalmouth scramble to score from close range in the 69th minute, giving Mhawu United the lead. The goal was a testament to persistence and quick reactions in a crowded penalty area.

Mhawu United continued to adjust their personnel with further tactical substitutions. At 74 minutes, Sandziso Matse came on for left attacking midfielder Mthobisi Dlamini, aiming to bolster the left flank and maintain attacking pressure. Then, at 81 minutes, Banele Nhlabatsi replaced right forward Bonkhe Dlamini, signalling a shift in attacking options as the team sought to hold their advantage.

However, the lead was short-lived. Combine Stars struck back in the 84th minute with a fluke goal that caught Mhawu United’s defence off guard, levelling the score at 1-1. The nature of the goal suggested a degree of fortune for the visitors, who capitalised on a momentary lapse to restore parity late in the game.

Despite efforts from both sides in the closing stages, neither team could find a winner in normal time, leading to a penalty shootout to decide the tie. Combine Stars held their nerve better in the shootout, prevailing 5-3 and ending Mhawu United’s cup run. The referee’s performance was rated average, with a score of 5, as the match remained competitive but without major controversy.

Philani Sikhondze was named player of the match for his influential role in midfield , consistently creating opportunities and linking play throughout the contest. His work rate and creativity stood out amid a tightly fought encounter.

In summary, Mhawu United showed resilience and attacking intent in a closely matched cup tie but were ultimately undone by a late equaliser and a superior penalty shootout display from Combine Stars at King Sobhuza II Stadium.