Ten men Buffaloes fight back to stun Wangu Mazodze in four-goal Mucheke thriller

A late strike from Aldrige Mubango earned ten-man Buffaloes FC a dramatic 2-2 draw against FC Wangu Mazodze in a pulsating Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League clash at Mucheke Stadium yesterday.

The match was one of two Week 21 fixtures rescheduled after the venue was unavailable over the weekend due to Heroes and Defence Forces Day celebrations.

The other saw Masvingo United edge Chivhu FC 1-0 at the same ground on Wednesday.

Buffaloes started on the front foot and took the lead in the 12th minute through Kumbirai Katsande.

But their momentum was halted six minutes later when Brendon Meki was shown a second yellow card by Referee Blessing Tauro for a reckless challenge, having been booked in the 14th minute.

The Mutare soldiers were forced to play the remaining 70-plus minutes with ten men.

FC Wangu capitalized on the advantage before the break.

Lucky Itimu restored parity in the 42nd minute, and Ghananian Solomon Banka put the home side ahead in the second minute of added time to make it 2-1 at halftime.

The home team pressed for a third in the second half and looked in control, but Buffaloes showed remarkable resilience.

With time running out, Mubango struck in the 85th minute to complete the comeback and ensure the points were shared.

The result adds a point to each side as FC Wangu Mazodze now sit on 17 points from 20 games.

Buffaloes FC move to 23 points from 20 matches.

For Buffaloes it was a point gained under difficult circumstances, while Wangu will feel they let a win slip at home.

With Week 21 now wrapped up, the focus shifts to the next round as the Eastern Region promotion race continues to tighten.