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Sports Reporter
EMAKHANDENI FC beat favourites and defending champions Highlanders 4-3 on penalties to clinch the second edition of the Mabaleka Under-18 Football Tournament at Barbourfields on Sunday. The final had ended in a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time. Ben Munsaka gave the Bosso youngsters the lead and just when it looked as though that would be the match winner, Limthembe Mlilo equalised for Emakhandeni towards the end to force a penalty shootout.

Highlanders pounded Santos FC 4-0 to book a date with Emakhandeni in the final, while Emakhandeni edged Sabona 1-0. For their victory, Emakhandeni walked away with a floating trophy, full kit and medals while Highlanders only received medals as consolation.

Tournament founder Melusi Sibanda said: “It’s a great honour to finally host the tournament which has proved to be successful regardless of the economic challenges that we might have faced.

“We worked hard for this to be a success and Zifa has been very supportive of this project. The turn up also meant everything to the organisers, particularly Nkosi Dube, who has supported this project from the beginning.”