Narrow escape.
That is just one way to describe army side Young Buffaloes’ 1-0 win over elite debutants Pigg’s Peak Professionals in the last 16 of the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup 2026.
Emathole Ezinyathi, as the army outfit fondly goes, were lucky not to concede as Professionals kept coming hard on them at Navuso Sports Centre, Manzini. 
The likes of former Green Mamba midfielder Njabulo Tfwala and ex-Mbabane Highlanders’ midfielder Siwakhile ‘Swakhis’ Shongwe were a marvel to watch alongside Ntjonjeni High School star Sive Mamba.
However, his substitution midway through the second stanza was a relief for Buffaloes. He was always a threat upfront.
Earning them a spot in the quarters was Mlandvo Shongwe in the opening half. The win means defending champions will play Young Buffaloes on Wednesday in the quarters, a repeat of last season’s semi-finals.
Buffaloes lost 1-0 and will look to better that this time around.
The match is on Wednesday at 5pm, before the biggest fixture in the land, Mbabane Highlanders and Mbabane Swallows at 7.15pm.
