Highbury FC 1-0 Hope FC: Lonwabo Bayeni sinks newcomers
Motsepe Foundation Championship (NFD) 2026/2027: Highbury FC 1-0 Hope FC – Match Report and Highlights (28 August 2026).
Match report as Highbury FC defeats Motsepe Foundation Championship newcomers Hope FC at the Nelson Mandela University Sports Stadium in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.
Lineups
Highbury FC starting XI: Ndisiro (Goalkeeper), Damons, Goss, Maqoko (Captain), Ngero Katua, Molaba, Dubula, Lonwabo Bayeni, Unathi Funani, Kyle Bailey, Cetywayo
Substitutes: Du Plessis (Goalkeeper), Momoti, Dlepu, Petlane, Jooste, Mbidana, Daniels, Boji, Nkohla
Hope FC starting XI: Ah Shene (Goalkeeper), Williams, Dean Solomons, Siyabonga Nhlapo, Craig Martin, Brandon Theron, Tyler Cicero, Xhosa Manyana, Lyle Lakay (Captain), Clyde Combi, Manelisi Ralasi
Substitutes: Leathan Croats (Goalkeeper), Lombard, Marc Jonas, Tauric Gamildien, Nande Wetbooi, Pholhlongo, Thamsanqa Magwaza, Taahir Goedeman
The Yellow Nation broke the deadlock in the first half through attacking midfielder Lonwabo Bayeni who scored a spectacular goal. This goal proved vital as it was enough to give the Port Elizabeth side the bragging rights over the Cape Town side.
Following this win, Highbury FC has climbed to the top of the Motsepe Foundation Championship table with 6 points in their first two league games this season, scoring 3 goals and conceeding just 1.
Meanwhile, today’s defeat leaves Hope FC with three points in their first two league games, having scored just one goal and also conceeded one.
Both Highbury FC and Hope FC will play their next league matches away from home on Saturday 5 September 2026. Highbury will play Upington City at Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium in Upington, Northern Cape, while Hope FC will play North-West University FC at NWU Fanie Du Toit Sports Ground in Potchefstroom, North West.
So what do you think about Highbury FC’ win over Hope FC today? And which team played better according to you? Please share your opinion with us by dropping it in the comments section below.
READ MORE:
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➜ Highbury FC announces lineup against Hope FC
➜ Hope FC reveals lineup against Highbury FC
➜ Round 2 Fixtures of Motsepe Foundation Championship 2026/27
