Times Of Swaziland: ILLOVO DENT HIGHLANDERS TITLE HOPES

ILLOVO DENT HIGHLANDERS TITLE HOPES
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Nimrod Hlophe on 24/02/2024 06:54:00


NHLANGANO – Weakened Mbabane Highlanders recorded another unwanted draw in
their MTN Premier League title bid as they were held to a 1-1 stalemate by
Illovo in a game played here yesterday.
Dumisane ‘DU’ Makhanya was forced to take a risk and bench eight of his key
players to avoid them picking their third yellow cards, which would
automatically rule them out of the Ingwenyama Cup semi-final clash set for next
weekend. Some of these key names included Captain Khanyakwenzwe Shabalala, Thami
Zulu, Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze, Philani Mkhonto, Menzi Sithole, Delisa Gama
and Vusumuzi Vilakati, among the list of players who were hanging on the brink
of bookings.
Under the crisis, Highlanders came from behind to rescue the game just seven
minutes before regulation time, with Menzi Sithole. Illovo had taken a shock
lead in the first half-hour mark with Njabulo Dlamini, as they threatened to
complete a double over the capital city giants. As ‘Bull’ dropped the
crucial points, they remained outside of the top four-bracket, perched on the
fifth spot with 28 points. They are four points shy of log leaders Young
Buffaloes who are playing today with the rest of the top four clubs.
However, the single point elevated the sugar-belt side Illovo to the seventh
spot, toppling regional counterparts Madlenya to the eighth spot. Both are tied
at 25 points, but Illovo boast of head-to-head advantage, while Madlenya still
have a chance to overtake them as they face Manzini Sea Birds today.
Despite the setback by the capital city giants, they could have easily brushed
the visitors aside and moved closer to the summit. They kicked off the game
brightly, suffocating Illovo in the early stages of the game. Kwando Frimpong
could have put them ahead at four minutes after being picked by Kenneth Moloto,
but watched his effort balloon over the bar.
Six minutes later Thabiso Ngwenya also hit the pole as they attacked the
visitors from all cylinders. As they were wasteful, Zwelibanzi ‘Botsotso’
Khoza’s men maintained their temper and took on counter attacks. Njabulo put
them ahead in the 28th minute, scoring his third goal after reuniting with them.
He unleashed a shot that deflected off Mpendulo Tfomo for Ntokozo Shabangu to
watch it kissing the net.
The game then almost balanced, but Highlanders pressed hard for an equaliser
that never came until the interval.
From restart, Highlanders threw in Philani ‘Mkasabuli’ Mkhonto, Menzi
Sithole and Delisa Gama, resting Siwakhile Shongwe, Ndumiso Mabuza and Mthunzi
Mamba.
They pressed hard but experienced Siboniso Ndzabandzaba warded off their attacks
until the hour mark, where he was forced out. He injured his right eye in a ball
clash with Frimpong and was substituted. Highlanders upped their game as they
also brought in Sibusiso Tfwala and ‘Pupu’. Like a biscuit dumped in hot
tea, Illovo’s resistance could not last, as Sithole levelled matters seven
minutes before regulation time.
He nodded a Mkhonto corner kick to neutralise the score. At the stroke of the
game, Tfwala was sure to have got the winner but was denied a goal after it was
said he fouled the goalkeeper Simiso Mabuza before scoring. However,
Mkasabuli’s free kick at the edge of the box in referee’s additional time
could not return them to winning ways as it hit the post before it was cleared
off.