Mhawu United Edge Nkomonye Cosmos 3-2 In Thriller

Mhawu United FC hosted Nkomonye Cosmos FC at King Sobhuza II Stadium on 13 December 2025, with kick-off at 1:00pm in a fiercely contested neutral cup tie. The match ended 3-2 in favour of Mhawu United after a pulsating 90 minutes plus injury time, with both sides showing attacking intent but Mhawu United ultimately prevailing.

Mhawu United lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, deploying Sandziso Dlamini in goal behind a back four of Bahle Masuku at right back, Mangaliso Dlamini and Sandza Shabangu as central defenders, and Likhwa Msibi at left back. Siphelele Simelane operated as the lone holding midfielder shielding the defence. Ahead of him, Philani Sikhondze took up the right attacking midfield role while Mthobisi Dlamini occupied the left attacking midfield slot. The front three consisted of Bonkhe Dlamini on the right wing, Nkosephayo Mamba as the central striker, and Sibotho Sithole on the left wing. The substitutes available were Calvin Ndlangamandla, Philani Mkhatshwa, Sandziso Matse, and Siyabonga Simelane.

The game burst into life almost immediately as Mhawu United took the lead in the third minute. Left back Likhwa Msibi ventured forward and found the net early, giving the home side a dream start. The visitors struggled to settle as Mhawu United’s attacking trio combined well, and in the 12th minute, Sibotho Sithole was on the end of a fine delivery from Mthobisi Dlamini, firing a powerful strike from outside the box to double the lead.

Mhawu United continued to dominate possession and territory, and their fluid team moves paid off again in the 31st minute. Philani Sikhondze, operating from the right attacking midfield position, curled home a superb effort from outside the box after a neat assist from Sibotho Sithole, who had been lively on the left wing. This goal showcased the team’s attacking cohesion and gave Mhawu United a commanding 3-0 advantage.

The match’s intensity rose shortly after when central defender Sandza Shabangu received a yellow card in the 34th minute for a foul, signalling the physical nature of the contest. The first half concluded with Mhawu United firmly in control at 3-0.

However, the second half saw a shift in momentum. Nkomonye Cosmos emerged with renewed vigour and pulled a goal back in the 50th minute through a close-range header, signalling their intent to fight back. The visitors’ pressure increased, and the game became more fractious.

Sandza Shabangu’s afternoon took a dramatic turn in the 64th minute when he was shown a second yellow card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, resulting in a red card and his dismissal plus a penalty for Nkomonye Cosmos. This left Mhawu United down to ten men and under significant pressure.

Nkomonye Cosmos capitalised on their penalty with a precise right-footed strike narrowing the deficit to 3-2 and setting up a tense finale.

Mhawu United’s Likhwa Msibi was cautioned in the 71st minute, adding to the mounting pressure on the home side. In response to the mounting challenge, Mhawu United made a double substitution in the 72nd minute, bringing on Calvin Ndlangamandla for Sibotho Sithole and Philani Mkhatshwa for Nkosephayo Mamba in a tactical reshuffle aimed at shoring up the midfield and attack.

Further tactical changes followed in the 81st minute as Sandziso Matse replaced Mthobisi Dlamini and Siyabonga Simelane came on for Bahle Masuku, both substitutions designed to inject fresh legs and maintain defensive solidity as Mhawu United sought to hold on to their slender lead.

Despite being a man down, Mhawu United showed resilience and determination to see out the match, with goalkeeper Sandziso Dlamini making crucial saves to deny the visitors an equaliser. The referee’s performance was steady throughout, maintaining control in a heated encounter.

Philani Sikhondze’s influential display from right attacking midfield earned him the player of the match accolade, having contributed a vital goal and been a constant threat to the opposition defence.

In the end, Mhawu United’s early attacking prowess and defensive grit under pressure secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Nkomonye Cosmos in this enthralling cup tie at King Sobhuza II Stadium.