PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Newly promoted local side Kabo Yellow dropped crucial points when they went down 3-1 against in-form Simunye FC in an exciting Safa Eden Hollywoodbets Regional League fixture in George on Saturday 18 January.

Shane Booysen and Luzuko Sabelesiva (brace) scored the three great goals for log-leaders Simunye.

Zukhanye Mangcongco scored for Kwanokuthula-based Kabo Yellow.

Sabelesiva, one of the best performers in the game, besides scoring twice, created more chances for his side.

Fast pace

Kabo Yellow have kicked off their 2024/25 season with five draws and two losses, and are in the bottom half of the log, with five points.

Simunye, who have 22 points, started the game at a fast pace, creating chances inside the box.

Kabo Yellow exposed Simunye's back line after offensive play from the centre of the field, and Mangcongco scored the opening goal within the first five minutes of the game.

Equaliser search

Athenkosi Mahala of Simunye then attacked on the right side of the field in a determined search for an equaliser, but his solo effort was blocked by Kabo Yellow's centre back.

Following this Booysen scored the equaliser from a delightful inside cross from Sabelesiva.

After both teams searched for more chances, Sabelesiva netted his first goal after poor handling by the Kabo Yellow goalkeeper.

Sharp on the ball

The second half of the game saw both teams looking very sharp on the ball, with Siyabonga Miggels of Simunye pressing for goals inside the box.

A powerful shot from Simunye's Philani Kunene inside the box was defended well by the Kabo Yellow back line.

Nkosokhona Moss, Simunye's goalkeeper, denied Kabo Yellow an equaliser - forcing a corner kick.

Stubborn defence

Simunye centre midfielder Sibongakonke Mntambo was then sent off for a reckless challenge, after which Kabo Yellow FC players were even more determined to find an equaliser - but the stubborn defenders of Simunye made it difficult for them to achieve this.

Too late

Sabelesiva then scored his second goal, after excellent touches by Simunye in the centre of the field.

Mangcongco produced some smart play, pushing his side to get into the box, but it was too late for Kabo Yellow to convert one of their chances, and Simunye collected full points at home.

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