In a gripping league match held at the Esselen Park Sports Ground on 14 September 2024, Destroyers Football Club emerged victorious against Black Scorpions with a final score of 2-1. The match, which kicked off at 12:00pm, showcased the attacking prowess of the home side, complemented by a resilient performance from their opponents.
The Destroyers lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, a tactical setup designed to provide both defensive solidity and attacking flexibility. Ntebogeng Ntsoane occupied the goalkeeping position, while a back four comprised of Prince Kgagara on the right, Sphesihle Nkosi and Mokgapho Mabasa at the centre, and Chuene Thlako on the left formed the defensive line. In front of them, the double pivot of central midfielders Mmuso Mashabela and Sphiwe Mdluli aimed to control the midfield battle. Ahead of them, the attacking trio featured Banele Kumalo on the right, Sandile Wanda in the central role, and Thabo Malope on the left, with Ayanda Mfeka leading the line as the lone striker. This formation typically allows for quick transitions from defence to attack, with the wide players expected to stretch the opposition and create goal-scoring opportunities.
The substitutes for the match included Innocent Nthlane, Thato Nkutha, and Ntokozo Mkhondwana, who would later play a role in the tactical adjustments made by the Destroyers.
The match began with an early attempt by Sandile Wanda in the seventh minute, but his shot was saved by the Black Scorpions' goalkeeper. This was followed by another effort from Ayanda Mfeka just five minutes later, which also failed to find the back of the net as it was saved. Wanda was persistent, making another attempt in the 18th minute, but once again, his shot was kept out.
The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Banele Kumalo scored a sensational goal, executing a back heel from close range after receiving a long pass from Sandile Wanda, who was instrumental in the build-up with a key pass. The Destroyers’ momentum continued as Thabo Malope tried his luck shortly after, but his effort was saved in the 23rd minute.
As the first half progressed, Sphiwe Mdluli made a long pass in the 24th minute, although it did not create a chance. Banele Kumalo then showcased his vision with another long pass in the 27th minute, successfully creating a chance. Sandile Wanda had another opportunity in the 28th minute but missed the target, sending the ball wide.
The first half concluded with Destroyers leading 1-0 at the break.
The second half commenced with a bang as Thabo Malope assisted Ayanda Mfeka, who provided a short pass leading to another goal for the Destroyers in the 49th minute. Malope's left-footed shot found the net from inside the box, extending the home side's lead to 2-0.
As the match progressed, Wanda continued to be a key player, making another key pass in the 65th minute, which created a chance, but Thabo Malope’s subsequent attempt was saved again.
In the 71st minute, tactical changes began as Innocent Nthlane came on for Mmuso Mashabela. Shortly after, Chuene Thlako received a yellow card for a bad tackle in the 73rd minute. Nthlane made an immediate impact, providing a key pass in the 75th minute that created another opportunity.
Further substitutions followed, with Thato Nkutha replacing Thabo Malope in the 77th minute and Ntokozo Mkhondwana coming on for Ayanda Mfeka in the 82nd minute, as Destroyers looked to maintain their lead.
However, in a dramatic turn of events, Black Scorpions pulled a goal back in the 89th minute, scoring from inside the box with a right-footed effort, narrowing the scoreline to 2-1. Despite this late pressure, the Destroyers held on to secure a vital three points, showcasing their resilience and attacking flair throughout the match.
